Wolverhampton family's plea after thieves target grave
A distraught family has appealed for help in tracking down thieves who stole memorials from the grave of their father in Wolverhampton on the 18th anniversary of his death.
Martin and Dawn Dobbing were disgusted to find that a large figurine of the Virgin Mary and a small can of Guinness, placed to commemorate the death of Mrs Dobbing's father, the late-Dennis Heaney, were stolen over the Christmas period.
The family discovered the theft on January 3 when they went to visit the grave at Danescourt Cemetery.
Mrs Dobbing said: "It is disgusting to think that people would do such a thing, especially over Christmas.
"My mother placed the Virgin Mary statue on the grave over Christmas and I took the Guinness as it was dad's favourite tipple."
Whilst visiting the crematorium, Mr and Mrs Dobbing, from Finchfield, Wolverhampton, walked up and down the graves to see if the statue had been blown off in the bad weather.
It was then that Mrs Dobbing spotted three men with carrier bags pacing the graveside suspiciously.
"I spotted the three men when I was looking to see if the statue had just been caught by the wind.
"I went to approach them and they ran off."
The family decided not to report the incident to the police as they have no proof of the theft, but believe it was the three men they spotted running away from the scene.
Bereavement services manager at Danescourt cemetery, Adam Clelland, said "It's despicable that this has happened.
"It's such a shame for the family and incredibly sad to think that there are people out there that will do this.
"We always remind our staff, particularly the grounds-staff to remain vigilant and keep and eye out for anyone who looks suspicious.
As the incident occurred over the weekend, when there are reduced staff numbers patrolling the cemetery, it is likely that the individuals were not spotted by cemetery staff.
"Nothing is sacred anymore unfortunately" Mr Clelland added.
"We're lucky that we don't experience vandalism, but spates of thefts happen throughout cemeteries across Walsall, Dudley, Sandwell.
"It's a very sad state of affairs."
People visiting the graves of loved ones are advised to not put anything of personal value at the graveside and if they spot anyone behaving suspiciously to report it to grounds-staff on site or a member of the bereavement services, contactable through Wolverhampton Council.
