Anger as flowers and ornaments stolen from Dudley cemetery

Thieves struck at Queens Cross Cemetery stealing from several plots, many of which are relatives of the same family.

Satin flowers and an angel statue were taken from the graves sometime during April 25 and 26.

Some of the graves were previously targeted around six months before, but the family say not to this extent.

Betty Lee told of the distress it has caused the family from Coseley after discovering the items had been taken from the plots.

She urged people to remain vigilant when visiting the graveyard and report any people acting suspiciously.

Flowers were taken from the graves of her father George Smith and his wife Clara. Mr Smith died in March 1985 aged 48, while Clara passed away in December 2007 at the age of 72.

Mrs Lee, aged 57, said she was shocked when she heard about the theft after other family members visited the graves on the Sunday morning.

"It made me ill to think someone could do that," she said.

"They are the absolute lowest of the low. They are just scum.

"It is not the fact these were taken it is the sentimental value of these things," she added.

The flowers were satin roses and were coloured lemon, pink and cream. A fibreglass angel statue was also taken. Graves targeted included Mrs Lee's uncle Harry Watton, her mother's sister Rosie Thompson and Eileen Watton, her mother's sister in law.

The family have contacted Dudley Council to report the thefts and officials are looking into the allegation.

Dudley Council's acting strategic director, John Millar, said: "It saddens us that a small number of people can be so despicable and thoughtless to take items from a grave.

"We always take any incidents of this nature very seriously and we work closely with the police in attempting to identify those responsible.

"We would urge people who see any suspicious behaviour at cemeteries to call the police on 0845 113 5000."