Wombourne funeral directors' gates stolen

The crooks struck at Wombourne Funeral Directors on Monday night in an act described by the company's bosses as the 'lowest of the low'.

It is the third time the firm based on the Bridgnorth Road has been hit in the last four years. Eight months ago thieves made off with a shed.

It is understood thieves removed the gates using a chainsaw.

Now John Cumiskey, who is partner, in the business, says he's offering a reward to catch the offenders as Staffordshire Police appeal for witnesses to come forward.

Mr Cumiskey said: "I want to alert everyone that these people are out there and they are the lowest of the low. I don't think we're being targeted, I think it's random thefts and we're another victim – there must be a market for gates.

"It comes at a cost to us these gates costs £1,000 and as a result we are installing £2,000 worth of security. We can just afford that, but if this had happened to someone's home or even a farmer's field where livestock could get out, then it could have had more serious consequences.

"We are offering a reward for anyone who provides information who leads to the arrest of the people who have done this. These thieves will be looking to sell them on so if anyone is offered any cheap gates and they're suspicious gives us a call."

Staffordshire Police are also looking into a similar theft in Ashes Road, Bobbington between February 15-16 when an eight foot wooden fence was taken but it is not thought to be linked to the Wombourne incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Staffordshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 796 of February 25 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.