Tributes to lost loved ones stolen off Wolverhampton graves
Thieves have been stealing tributes left for lost loved ones on burial plots at a cemetery, it emerged today, with stolen items including decorative lights and wind chimes.
A plot at Bushbury Crematorium, in Wolverhampton was targeted between 7pm Monday and 8am yesterday, police said.
Officers called to the scene were told that is the third theft from the site, in Underhill Lane, within two weeks, according to force spokeswoman Deborah Edmonds.
Items stolen from gravesides and memorials have included vases, statuettes and solar lights.
The city council's bereavement services chiefs said they were aware of the problems.
Bosses have however insisted no graves have been desecrated.
Wednesfield North ward Councillor Phil Bateman MBE has called for improved security at the crematorium in the wake of the 'appalling' thefts.
Measures to improve security were decided by managers at a meeting yesterday, including cutting back trees near to the thefts so culprits would be visible from the roadside, as well as extra police patrols, which will include both officers in uniform and plain clothes.
Councillor Bateman said: "I am appalled about the theft of articles from Wednesfield residents whilst visiting the crematorium.
"I have been informed that three thefts have been reported to police thus far.
"I am further informed that as well as increasing patrols in the area, arrangements have been made for foliage to be cut back by the attacked areas in order to make the plots viewable from the road."
Kim Hargreaves, cemeteries and crematorium manager at the City Council, added: "We are sadly, very aware of these low and despicable crimes, thieves having taken items including solar lights, vases and statuettes from gravesides and memorials.
"The nature of these thefts, whilst they are distressing and simply awful for the families involved, is evidently opportunistic and thus we want to let families know that no graves or memorials have been desecrated."
Action planned for the future includes new signage telling residents to beware of thieves, and Civic Centre chiefs also said they were investigating the costs of an updated security system.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101.
