Outrage after ‘thugs’ steal pots and flowers from grave in Chesterfield cemetery

A resident told of the alleged theft on the ‘Staveley and surrounding areas’ Facebook group on Sunday after coming across an elderly gentleman as he searched for the items which had been taken from his wife's grave at Staveley Cemetery.

The man is said to have been left ‘quite upset’ by the incident however did not report it to Chesterfield Borough Council, the authority responsible for managing and maintaining the cemetery.

Val Turner, who created the Facebook post, added: “This is definitely classed as desecration as far as I'm concerned. I've noticed a few displays damaged just lately but to see this gentleman first hand, how distressed this sort of action makes people, really struck home.

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"I suggested he rang the council but he didn't think it would make any difference, he said ‘they'll only say they are sorry, and that's just a word’. He couldn't find the pots and went home extremely distressed and annoyed. As anybody would be. If anyone knows who is doing this please report it to the police. Let's try and get this stopped!”

The news caused concern among the community, with many people expressing their disgust along with worries over the security of the cemetery.

Jayne Swindell said: “Aww poor bloke. Hope he’s ok bless him. Just what goes through these thugs minds is beyond belief. To steal off graves is just despicable!”

Laura Louise Kecskes said: “This happens all the time in the Staveley Cemetery….how someone can be that low is beyond me.”

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Jacky Nixon said: “The cemetery and all the gates leading to the park should be locked up at night and if anyone is caught in there after climbing the fence then that should be a police matter. It so sad that the people do not have respect of the dead and their families.”

Alan Mosley added: “No point closing gates. There’s that many gaps in the hedges would need fencing all the way round first and that’s gonna be costly.”

Chesterfield Borough Council said it “always disappointed to hear of any incidents of vandalism” in its cemeteries and that the Bereavement Services team can help famiies affected by this.

All incidents should be reported on 01246 345888.

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