Greenbank cemetery thefts

Photo from Trapac on Flickr of Greenbank cemetery



Bristol, UK - Sent via SalvoWEB message system 15:34 18 May 2006.

Greenbank Cemetery in Bristol has suffered from theft of over 100 stone vases & urns over the past 18 months. This is now a major problem to the relatives. The urns are obviously being sold on but not necesarily in the west country. Can anybody being offered this type of item check for the right to sell of the owner and if in doubt contact the local police. Any that have any identification relating to Green Bank Cemetery in Bristol contact PC 662, Fishponds Police Station, Bristol, 08454567000.

From BBC Bristol web site:

Cemetery thefts are investigated. Mass thefts of urns and vases from a Bristol graveyard are being investigated by police. Four were stolen from the Green Bank cemetery in Fishponds on Thursday, bringing the number to about 100 during the past year. Police believe the memorial items are being taken for sale, both privately and commercially. Old and new graves are being targeted and PC Stuart Reed said it was very upsetting for relatives and friends. "I would appeal to anyone who is offered such items for sale, including workers at stone masons or reclamation yards, or anyone who has witnessed people acting suspiciously around the cemetery, to contact us," he said. The incident on Thursday happened at about 1000 BST and the offender is described as a white man, about 5ft 8ins, wearing dark trousers and a fluorescent jacket. He was seen loading the vases into a blue car, possibly a Vauxhall Cavalier. Anyone with information is asked to contact Fishponds Police Station on 0845 456 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You do not have to give your name and could receive a reward.

Avon & Somerset Police web site