Thieves stole more than a dozen headstones from one of the oldest cemeteries in Los Angeles County.

The owner, who has struggled to maintain the cemetery, said she believes the thieves took the headstones for the brass and copper plaques.

Thieves took and damaged more than a dozen headstones from a historic cemetery in Compton that represents the final resting place for hundreds of veterans, including several Civil War Union soldiers, according to the owner.

The thefts occurred at Woodlawn Celestial Gardens, one of the oldest cemeteries in Los Angeles County. It is located between residential homes and commercial buildings in Compton, not far from the 91 Freeway.

Celestinia Bishop, the owner, said the thefts were discovered Thursday but she said she believes the thieves broke into the

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