How 'low-life' thieves are stealing ornaments from graves at Gornal cemetery

Gornal Wood Crematorium has been hit by a spate of thefts, with ornaments, vases, lights and other tributes left by relatives snatched from gravesides.

The thieves have been condemned as 'low life'.

Council bosses have said they are now looking at stepping up security in a bid to put a stop to the problem.

Councillor Ian Kettle, who is responsible for bereavement services at Dudley Council, said: “We have had a number of reports of thefts from graves at Gornal Wood Crematorium over the past few weeks.

“We are in close communication with the police, and we are currently looking at our options with regards to increasing security at the site.

“We have also spoken to staff and stressed the need to remain extra vigilant.

“Such thefts cause great upset to people visiting their loved ones, and we would urge anyone with information to call the police.”

Great grandparents John and Margaret Dacre are among families who have had items stolen.

Solar guardian angel lights have been taken from the grave of their son John on three separate occasions, leaving them heartbroken.

John was a machinist from Dudley and died aged 55 in 2012.

After replacing the lights the first time they were stolen, they returned to find they had been taken again.

Mrs Dacre, 80, from Bilston, said she hoped those responsible were able to 'sleep at night'

She said: "I find it hard to understand why they did it. There is no value there.

"It upsets me. I get upset if I even speak John's name."

Her husband John said: "It was a bit of a shock. The value of them is peanuts.

"I spoke to staff there asking them what had happened and they said bits and pieces had gone missing.

"They are low life, people who steal from graves."

Dudley councillor Paul Brothwood said he was disgusted by the thefts.

He said: "It's heartbreaking for the families. They have got enough distress losing a loved one let alone having graves vandalised.

"It's about as low as it gets and I hope the police do everything they can to catch them."