Vandals have toppled nine tombstones at St. Peter's, striking the St. George's church for the second time in a week.

According to church warden Henry Hayward, the vandals must have struck sometime on Sunday between 1 p.m. when the morning service ended, and 5 p.m. when Rev. David Raths returned to the property.

It was then the minister noticed the vandalised tombstones – some of which date back to the 1700s and were damaged in an attack only last week – and called Police.

Mr. Hayward said the church had just paid $400 to fix the tombstones. More disconcerting, he said, was the lack of respect.

"Yesterday was exactly the same ones that were reported (disturbed) last week and we had someone who came to us with some information so we have some leads at least.

"It had cost $400 to $500 to repair, but it's the historic value of them that is more important. Then we have been talking about the fact that the church has been going through a financial crisis without all of this.

"Of all places, the graveyard. We don't have the money for cameras and lights in there, but we are talking about various alternatives.

"This time they hardly gave the cement a chance to harden-up before they did it again. Hopefully this will be the last time."

Four months ago the church experienced a similar problem when three of the tombstones were broken. The tombstones that are mainly targeted are those made of Bermuda slate.

These are harder to fix, according to Mr. Hayward, because they are older and contain historic writing.

On Friday in the House of Assembly, Deputy Speaker of the House Jennifer Smith spoke out against last week's vandalism saying the persons responsible had no respect.

She told MPs: "I want to speak on the atrocious behaviour in the graveyard at St. Peter's Church.

"I am concerned at the apparent disconnect, that some in our community have no respect for the dead."

A Police spokesman said: "Officers observed that nine tombstones had been disturbed. Inquiries into this incident are underway."

Anyone with any information should contact the St. George's Criminal Investigation Unit on 293-2222.