Police are tracking down a graveyard thief after two incidents of ‘sacrilege’ in Wigan.
A total of £4000 worth of aluminium pots were taken from graves at Wigan Borough Council Cemetery between 3pm on March 19 and 12pm on March 20.
The second theft occurred between March 21 and 24 at Westwood Cemetry, Lower Ince, where £160 worth of flower pots were taken.
Greater Manchester Police are appealing to the public for any information regarding the ‘reprehensible crime’.
Constable Sean Robinson said: “To steal from graves is sacrilege, it is an act which dishonours the memory of those who have passed away and causes enormous emotional distress to their families and loved ones.
“Someone visiting the cemeteries may have seen someone collecting these pots from graves, and may be able to assist us with a description of the offender.
“It is likely these stolen items would have been taken to a scrap dealer, so I would like to appeal to any such dealers in the area to keep an eye out and report any such items to police.
“Lastly, I would like the offender to search their own conscience. Imagine it was your loved one’s grave which had been ransacked, how you would feel?
“Do the right thing and return the stolen items to the families of those people whose graves you have desecrated.”
There is currently no description of the offender.
Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting incident number 290316/1044, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
