Flowers taken from Downpatrick grave

Flowers taken from Downpatrick grave

2 May 2012 - by David Telford

HEARTLESS thieves are being blamed for stealing flowers and personal momentos from the grave of a local man shortly after he was buried.

The flowers and momentos were stolen two weeks after the man was laid to rest at the Down Council-owned Struell Cemetery outside Downpatrick.

Council officials say they are “extremely disappointed” that such a despicable act occurred in the district and have appealed to people to immediately report any suspicious activity.

A council spokeswoman said staff responsible for Struell Cemetery and the council graveyard in Ballynahinch will also do their “utmost to deter theft or vandalism.”

Rowallane councillor Terry Andrews, who was contacted by a grieving relative of the man buried recently at Struell cemetery, said it is “simply incomprehensible” that anyone would steal flowers from a grave.

“I can’t understand the mentality of people who would do such an objectionable thing which has left family members distraught,” he declared.

“This despicable behaviour will be roundly condemned by all right thinking people. Those who steal flowers from graves are low lifes.”

Councillor Andrews confirmed he has also asked local council officials to consider improving security at its public cemeteries in a bid to combat the theft of flowers from graves.

“This is the first time I have ever heard of this kind of thing happening and it left me cold and shocked. A family already distraught at losing a loved one cannot believe someone would steal flowers from a grave. What happened in Downpatrick really is incomprehensible.”

Councillor Andrews has also appealed to anyone who knows anything about the theft at Struell cemetery or spots anyone acting suspiciously in the vicinity of graveyards to contact the police.

He added: “It’s deeply regrettable that there are people resorting to such despicable behaviour by stealing flowers from graves. Whatever next?”