Taphophilia.(dot) Com - Sisters shocked at grave crime

Sisters shocked at grave crime

Sunday, 24 April 2005

10:01am Wednesday 20th April 2005
Bucks Free Press.co.uk
Staff Writer--Kris Hall

CALLOUS thieves who desecrated an 83-year-old's grave have been branded "sick animals" by the heartbroken daughters.
Sisters Irene Crowley and Alison Clark were left stunned after learning that sentimental possessions had been swiped from their father's graveside at the weekend.

Mrs Clark, of Birwood Road, High Wycombe, made the discovery during a routine visit to the High Wycombe cemetery in Hampden Road on the morning of Sunday, April 10.

She said: "This wanton disregard of property in a graveyard is totally disgraceful. I was shocked, disturbed and disgusted. I was deeply upset by all of this, and so are the rest of my family and friends.

"I bought most of the items in loving memory of my father when he died. They're not worth much to anyone just sentimental value. How can people do that kind of thing?"

Thieves stole a small ornamental cat before turning their attentions to a metal vase. They ripped off two small decorative keyrings and a plaque inscribed with the words "In loving memory of a dear dad."

Mrs Crowley, of Wycombe Marsh Court, added: "People are robbing from the living, now they're robbing from the dead. Is nobody safe these days? I just think they're animals. How would they like it? Most of the things around his grave are ornamental gifts from people when he died."

Popular Cyril Clark died in July 2003 after losing his battle with cancer, but two years on his daughters continue to make regular visits to the 27-acre cemetery to be "by his side."

In the past 15 years, cemetery officers have only repor-ted three instances of vandalism at the Wycombe District Council-run cemetery and there are no plans to bolster security.

But this latest incident prompted a warning from the council against leaving valuables and objects of sentimental affection on graves.

A council spokesman said: "There have been occasions when items have been removed or damaged by other visitors. However, we've had no reports of any act of vandalism taking place over the weekend and although understandably deeply upsetting for the family, we would urge them to speak to the cemetery officer or report this incident to the police."

The family have appealed for the objects to be returned to Mr Clark's grave.

http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/localnews/display.var.589158.0.sisters_shocked_at_grave_crime.php

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