Third city cemetery struck by callous thieves
27th August 2022
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Council security measures are being ramped up following the latest overnight theft at Bushbury cemetery last Thursday 11 August which resulted in thieves stealing 27 bronze plaques.

This latest theft follows previous incidents which saw 30 bronze plaques stolen from Bilston Cemetery earlier this month and 50 taken from Merridale Cemetery in July.

Councillor Steve Evans, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Environment and Climate Change, said: "We wholeheartedly condemn these reprehensible thefts. Make no mistake - we are determined to do everything we can to stop these despicable crimes and find those responsible.

“Our continued work with police colleagues sees increased patrols and vigilance across the City’s cemeteries, along with the implementation of further security measures to protect our cemeteries.

"I would ask anyone who has any information which may help apprehend the individuals responsible for either incident to contact police via livechat or by calling 101 as soon as possible."

The bronze memorial plaques each measure 24 inches by 18 inches. Police are liaising with scrap metal dealers to help identify where these could be being sold and ensuring that any items that are likely to be connected to these thefts are not sold on.

Wolverhampton Police have confirmed that these thefts currently appear isolated to Wolverhampton and the perpetrators are believed to be local.

Chief Superintendent Richard Fisher, said: "We are working with colleagues at Wolverhampton Council to consider further security measures, enhanced patrols, alongside further investigation opportunities.”

Anyone with information about either incident is asked to please contact police via livechat or call 101 and quote the relevant crime reference numbers as follows:

  • crime reference number 20/721585/22 for the Bushbury Cemetery theft
  • crime reference number 20/698472/22 for the Bilston Cemetery theft
  • crime reference number 20/639096/22 for the Merridale Cemetery theft.
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Ian Henery

Member since: 4th February 2019

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