Heartbreak over latest theft from a Wolverhampton children's cemetery
The family of a boy who was killed at the age of 21 months in a tragic accident has been left heartbroken by thieves who removed a statue from his grave.
The grave of Sean Dobson-Purchase, who was accidentally knocked down by his mother's boyfriend six years ago, is the latest children's grave in the Wolverhampton area to be targeted by thieves in recent weeks.
Last week the Express & Star reported how a £50 cast iron lantern was stolen from the grave of five-month-old Jamie Sharma, which was next to Sean's resting place at Bushbury Cemetery.
And earlier this week, it was reported that six flower arrangements and two special jars had been stolen from Michael Cureton's grave at the Hall Green Cemetery in Bradley, Bilston.
The latest theft at Bushbury was discovered by Sean's grandfather Phil Dobson when he visited the grave on Friday last week.
He told Sean's mother, Victoria Dobson, who was heartbroken by theft.
Miss Dobson, who now lives in Bridgwater, Somerset, said: "I'm disgusted by what has happened, it's obvious it was a little baby's grave.
"I have got a lantern I want to put on, but I can't but it on while there are thieves about."
Mr Dobson, a 56-year-old gardener from Bilston, said he was horrified to discover that the 20in statue of a teddy bear had been stolen.
"It's quite a heavy thing, it must have taken two blokes to lift it," he said.
Mr Dobson voiced concerns about security at the cemetery, saying in the past orchids left on Sean's grave had also been stolen.
"I want to put something else in its place, but I'm worried that is going to be stolen too, now.
"It looks like the only way I way I will be able to stop is to screw things down."
Wolverhampton Council spokesman Tim Clark condemned thefts.
He said: "These heartless thieves will have caused great upset to the family who tend and care for the graves of their loved ones, it is beyond most normal people's comprehension how anyone could steal from a child's grave. We would encourage anyone with any information to contact the police."
Mr Clark added that the cemetery was covered by closed-circuit television.
Miss Dobson was living in Poole Crescent, Coseley, in 2007 when her then boyfriend Andrew McGregor accidentally ran over Sean in his van.
