Stone cross stolen from graveyard is returned to church by police
A hefty stone cross has been returned to a church in Bilston after it was stolen from a graveside in the second "major" antisocial behaviour incident in 12 months.
The item, which had been taken from a grave outside St Leonard's Church, was discovered by a police community support officer (PCSO) in the town centre on Sunday.
Rev Simon Skidmore said this is the second in a line of "major" incidents to take place at the church in the last year, with a statue in the grounds having previously been subject to damage.
Mr Skidmore continued: "It is annoying that this has happened, we don't know why. I don't know if it's individuals or groups but it is a bit concerning that graves are being targeted and people are thinking it's okay to damage them.
"We weren't aware that it was damaged until the PCSO identified there was a stone cross removed from the grave [but] we were quite glad to see it returned to where it should have been.
"We've noticed more little bits of damage on the grave and certainly with this cross being removed that's quite significant – that's been one of the major things.
"They are old graves and they are in a position where over time they are getting a bit of wear but it is a shame. There's another grave not far from it that we suspect has received some form of damage, but this one is another thing that has happened in the graveyard."
