Residents of the Piracicaba region in São Paulo, Brazil, have expressed growing frustration over the lack of maintenance in local cemeteries, specifically citing the Cemitério da Saudade in Piracicaba, the oldest cemetery in the city. Reports indicate that the cemeteries are plagued by numerous issues including overgrown vegetation, stolen items from tombs, and a general neglect that has alarmed community members. The situation is made worse by the absence of night-time surveillance, leading to incidents of vandalism becoming more frequent.

During a visit by EPTV, an affiliate of TV Globo, it was documented that some graves lack identification plaques, and even parts of statues have been reported stolen. Such thefts and acts of vandalism have not only caused distress among families of those buried in the cemeteries but also spurred suggestions from residents on how to improve security, such as raising walls and installing better fencing. These community members argue that the increase in crime is a recent issue that must be addressed promptly to protect the sanctity of these resting places.

Furthermore, the concerns extend beyond just the Cemitério da Saudade, as family members have similarly reported issues at other cemeteries like Cemitério Parque Limeira and Cemitério Parque Nossa Senhora das Dores. The overall sentiment among the residents is a plea for urgent action from local authorities to ensure that these cemeteries are well-maintained and secure, reflecting the importance of these spaces for the community and honoring the memory of lost loved ones.