Visitors to Coventry’s cemeteries are being asked to stay alert for suspicious behaviour after a spate of thefts from graves.

Sickened families have called for action after items placed by headstones were stolen from cemeteries in the city.

A teddy bear was recently stolen from a baby’s grave at London Road, and a wooden biplane and windmills were taken from the grave of a 30-year-old man’s grave at Canley Cemetery.

Over the years there have been many similar raids, and grieving relatives have called on the council to install CCTV to prevent vandals and thieves striking.

A Cemetery Watch scheme has now been launched by Coventry Bereavement Services. People who see anything should call 024 7683 2208.

Mr Duggan said the number linked to the council’s 24-hour security services, who would immediately investigate any reports of suspicious activity.

He said:

“It is a crime to steal from graves and our security staff work very closely with the police. Arrests are made and we have had several successful prosecutions.”

“My experience is that during the summer months, when the daylight hours are longer we get increased incidents.

“We are keen to do what we can to knock this on the head and get cemeteries used for what they should be sued for.”

Mr Duggan added that the possibility of installing CCTV cameras in some areas is being considered, but ruled out blanket coverage of the cemeteries because of the size and practical problems such as the number of trees.

He said:

“We are looking at putting them in key areas such as car parks.”