Woman's handbag stolen from crematorium on anniversary of dad's death

The husband of the victim said the thief was the "scum of the earth" after they stole the bag while the woman was paying her respects on the anniversary of her father's death.

The theft happened at Bushbury Crematorium in the city and saw the handbag stolen from the front seat of a car, which had been left unlocked at the site.

The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, was visiting her father’s grave at the crematorium on Friday, August 7, at about 4.30pm. It was the first time since the coronavirus pandemic lockdown restrictions had been eased by Wolverhampton Council she had been.

Her husband said she had suffered an asthma attack after discovering the bag was gone, which had her inhaler in it.

He said: “It was a terrible shock to her as it was the anniversary of her dad’s death and she’d only now been able to go and visit the grave.

“She parked near the stone and went to fetch some water, but had left the car unlocked.

“And as she was away, someone has opened the door and stolen her bag,” her husband continued.

“All of her belongings had gone, including her inhaler, which could have been a serious problem.”

The couple, who live in Willenhall, were able to cancel all the bank cards inside the bag at the time, although a purchase was made in an off licence in Bushbury.

He said his wife had recovered from the shock of having her bag stolen and had a message for anyone leaving their car unguarded to be vigilant in case other incidents should occur.

He said: “Please be vigilant and make sure you lock your cars to avoid something like this happening.

“My wife is okay now, although more than a little annoyed.

“We just think whoever stole her bag is scum of the earth, as they went to a place where people are vulnerable and then take advantage.”

Anyone with any information relating to the theft can contact West Midlands Police at west-midlands.police.uk/contact-us/live-chat, quoting crime reference number 20wv/186753h/20