A WOMAN has hit out at thieves who smashed two distinctive vases on her mum’s grave in the cemetery of Bromsgrove’s St John’s Churchyard.
Patricia McCabe contacted The Standard after the incident which happened last month as she wanted other people to be aware of what had happened and to report any suspicious behaviour in the area.
The vases she and her other family members had put on were glass, heavy-based and rectangular.
She said: “The family were very upset by this and cannot comprehend how someone can be so heartless as to take something so precious to us.
“The thought that someone could heartlessly smash precious mementos has left me sick to my stomach.
“The staff at St John’s cannot be faulted – they are very caring and professional and the ground-staff keep the grounds immaculate.”
“I understand that items left on graves are at the discretion of visitors but we trust that individuals would not be so callous as to break what is meant to remember the deceased.”
Coun Mark Bullivant, whose portfolio covers environmental services, said: “We are aware of this incident which included breakages of items which were put on the graves by loved ones and this must be extremely distressing for the families involved.
“Whilst our council officers endeavor to keep the cemeteries in the highest order, we urge visitors to remain vigilant and please report any suspicious conduct or incidents to the police.”
A West Mercia Police spokesperson urged anyone who had experienced acts of vandalism on graves to call officers on 101.
