RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – Historic Oakwood Cemetery is now offering a $3,500 reward for the arrest and prosecution of the vandals responsible for damaging nine monuments in December.

The Cemetery originally offered a $1,000 reward after vandals caused around $23,000 with of damage.

We hope that by increasing this reward those that perhaps have heard something, seen something or know something will come forward and report what they know to the police,” said Executive Director Robin Simonton.

The incident on Dec. 30 affected nine monuments in an area where those who fought for the South in the Civil War are buried, officials with Oakwood Cemetery officials said.

Fundraising efforts to restore the monuments has been “substantial,” cemetery officials said.

Anyone with information that might assist the investigation of the case is asked to call Raleigh CrimeStoppers at (919) 834-HELP.

Raleigh cemetery raises reward to $3,500 after Confederate graves vandalized