Callous thieves stole from graves of Evesham Cemetery

Tracy Hampton, business manager at Just Memorials Ltd, said it was "just sad" what has been happening at the cemetery, also known as Waterside Cemetery, in recent months. 

"Things have been going missing off people's graves," the manager said. 

"The last one earlier this month was a marble statue taken off a grave. 

"It is a regular occurrence."

The manager said her customers have been regularly telling her of items being stolen - with vases used to hold flowers commonly taken. 

"It is probably kids having a laugh throwing things in the brook," she said. 

THEFTS: Items have been stolen from the graves at Waterside (Image: Google)"But these are people grieving.

"We have replaced things free of charge - but there is only so much I can do. 

"Items shouldn't be taken in the first place. 

"The police need to act, there needs to be some kind of deterrence."

The manager suggested CCTV or signs warning of thieves could be options that could be used to prevent further thefts. 

"It is so sad," the manager added.

"If it is kids, the parents need to tell them and educate them."

In 2016 we reported there had been around 70 bronze plaques prised from the Garden of Remembrance at the cemetery.

Police appealed for information about the theft of each piece of metal - inscribed with the name of a person who is commemorated in the garden. 

Evesham Cemetery is managed by Evesham Town Council. We contacted the authority for comment but had no response before our deadline. 

Evesham Mayor Mark Goodge said he was not aware of it.

"If we get reports, and there is a request for CCTV, it would be something we would need to consider," he said. 

"It is an open environment, off a main road - anyone can walk through and steal something."

West Mercia Police was also contacted for comment.

Anyone with information can report thefts to police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.