There have been almost 300 reports of thefts in cemeteries across the West Midlands in the last three years, it has emerged.

Thieves have taken everything from toys, flowers and headstones to cash and even bus passes. Details of the thefts have been released to the Express & Star by West Midlands Police following a request using Freedom of Information Act legislation. It shows that in 2006 there were 100 recorded thefts in cemeteries, while in 2007 there were 108 and in 2008 there were 82.

The force has also provided a list of the type of items stolen which also includes binoculars, car batteries, cosmetics, statues, trees, wreaths and even wooden fence panels.

Police say the thefts relate to incidents where the cemetery is the nearest landmark, meaning some of the crimes may have taken place in the car parks or surrounding area of a cemetery.

The Express & Star has reported a number of thefts at cemeteries across the Black Country. In January last year, a grieving mother called for CCTV at Gornal Wood Cemetery after toys were taken from her baby son’s grave for the fourth time in three years.

Theresa Pugh, of Hawthorne Road, Dudley, told how treasured keepsakes left in baby Adam James’ memory had been stolen from the cemetery in Bank Road. Thieves also struck at Adam’s grave in January 2006, January 2007 and June 2007.

Meanwhile, last year the family of baby Leah Buckingham, who died in June, were left distraught when they discovered rosary beads had been taken from around a cherub as well as a gold coin from beside her grave at Rowley Regis Cemetery.

Sandwell Council says it is doing all it can to protect cemeteries. Neighbourhoods and housing chief councillor Mahboob Hussain said: “Most of our cemeteries are fenced-off or gated.”

Dudley Council spokesman Kate Arnold said: “We have fitted additional security fences.”