Heartless thieves steal from Warsop grave

A greiving mum has been left angry and distressed after sick criminals stole items from her daughters grave.
Lorraine Oliver complaining about the theft of items from her daughter's graveLorraine Oliver complaining about the theft of items from her daughter's grave
Lorraine Oliver complaining about the theft of items from her daughter's grave

Warsop Cemetery on Cuckney Hill has been targeted by thieves in recent months.

One person who has been affected by this is Lorraine Oliver, whose daughter, Claire Tonks, is buried there.

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Lorriane said: “It’s not the first time items have been stolen.

Claire was only 24 years old when she tragically passed away in 2009.

“The first time was just before Christmas about twoyears ago.

“I had bought her a lot of Me To You glitter and snow globes over the years .

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“I turned up one day to find everything strewn all over the place.

“I thought at first it was down to the weather but on closer inspection I found that they had taken all the Me To You items and thrown everything else in order to get to them.”

The next time items were taken from Claire’s grave was November 9 this year.

Lorraine said: “They took her silk flowers which were held together with elastic under the lid of the pot, so it was not down to the weather.

“It would have took time and effort to take the flowers.

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“Maybe they wanted flowers for someone they were visiting and decided to take mine.

“I was angry at first but it soon turned to distress, as I bought my daughter those flowers and the other items out of love.

“To have someone steal them is absolutely heart breaking.”

Lorraine, who visits Claire’s grave every Friday, has asked groundsmen of the cemetery to watch her grave, but this has not been enough to deter the thieves

Lorraine added: “I have spoken to quite a lot of people visiting their loved ones and there has been a lot of theft going on up there.”

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Councillor Andrew Tristram, portfolio holder for environment and wellbeing at Mansfield District Council, said: “We have had a number of reports of thefts from graves at our cemeteries over the past few weeks.

“Our Neighbourhood Wardens are aware, they are increasing patrols and are in close communication with the police.

““Anyone with information should contact the police.”