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Yobs target baby's grave
HEARTLESS thieves have snatched special tributes left at the graveside of a stillborn baby.
Yobs have targeted Clare and Martin Veitch's son Joseph's grave twice during the last few months, stealing precious items laid there in his memory.
Heartbroken Clare, of Dene Avenue, Houghton, today hit out at the thieves, branding them "sick" and "disgusting".
The 30-year-old said: "We had a baby on December 18 and he was stillborn so this is a special place for us. It's the only chance we have to give our son things and where we can show our emotions.
"This is all we've got, we have nothing else. It's really upset us. When we go down there, it's sad enough without this.
"To pinch things is unbelievable, I can't understand how anyone could do it."
The thieves first struck at Joseph's grave at Houghton Cemetery – which has been plagued by thefts from graves during the last few months – in February when they stole a teddy bear wearing a Sunderland football shirt.
Now, seven more items have been snatched, including three gnomes and some fairies.
"We went and got some more gravel and plants and things to put around the grave," said Clare, who is also mum to Louise, two. "It's still there but we keep thinking we hope it doesn't go, and you shouldn't have to be like that.
"It's the thought of someone taking stuff and just not caring. They have no respect, this is a baby's grave and it's awful."
The thieves struck last week. Police are also appealing for witnesses after an ornament was stolen from the grave of a 16-month-old child at the same Hetton Road cemetery some time between 7pm on Sunday and 4pm on Monday.
Neighbourhood Inspector Graham Finlay, who covers the area, said: "These thieves are totally heartless and I'd urge anyone who might know who they are, or know where the ornament is, to contact the police so that we can make sure they are dealt with.
"I'd like to reassure the community that we are doing everything we can to put a stop to thefts like this and will increase patrols in the area as well as continue to work with our partner agencies to find longer-term solutions."
As reported in the Echo last week, Dean Foster was shocked to discover decorative angels had been taken from his parents', Edna and Sidney, memorial at Houghton Cemetery.
A month earlier, devastated Jade Turnbull hit out at thieves who robbed precious trinkets from the grave of her sister Amanda, 23, and nephew Tyler, who died after being born prematurely, at the same cemetery.
Thieves also targeted the grave of Colin Everett's wife, Claire Walker Everett, who lost her brave battle against cervical cancer at the age of 23.
Anyone with information should phone police on 03456 043 043.
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Weather for Sunderland
Saturday 04 February 2012
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