Remembrance event trees stolen from burial ground

The site, near Barsby, opened in 2011 and contains around 750 burials

Staff and relatives have voiced concern after thieves stole dozens of trees which were to be used for a special service at a burial ground in Leicestershire.

The Willows Natural Burial Ground holds a tree planting event for families over Remembrance weekend but on Tuesday evening 52 trees and bushes were taken after a secure compound was broken into.

Chris Scroby, who runs the site, condemned the crime as "outrageous" and said they had replaced most trees at their own expense.

Leicestershire Police have also been made aware.

Chris Scroby said he did not want grieving families to be worried about security

The site, near Barsby, opened in 2011 and contains around 750 burials.

The weekend is part of a programme which sees 4,500 native British bluebells, snowdrops, daffodils and narcissi planted.

Bereaved families and those with plots can select trees or bushes, which are then placed in the ground as part of an event which, through the sale of refreshments and donations, raises money for a local hospice.

The trees were only brought onto the site earlier in the week but were taken when a padlock was cut from a gate.

Mr Scroby said: "They probably think it is fair to steal from a burial ground and the mourners - and these are the families of loved ones who we have here.

"I think it is outrageous, it is like stealing from the dead.

"We don't want people to be worried a fearful about coming to see their loved ones."

Alison Thompson said the thefts showed a lack of respect

Steven Plant bought a tree in memory of his wife Susan, who died in April.

He said: "It leaves me feeling more depressed than I was already with Sue passing and that is quite a lot.

"[The thieves] lack self respect and all in all it is a pretty sad condition for a human being to be in although they won't realise it, they will think what they have done is clever."

Alison Thompson had also bought a tree for the weekend.

She said: "We have plots here for ourselves, we have plots here for family members and I have friends who are buried here.

"I just think it is really really sad. Not only because of what has happened but it shows they have no respect, I just can't believe people can do such a thing."

Most of the trees have been replaced - at the cost of thousands of pounds to the business - but some families have been told it will take longer to source the chosen varieties.

The owners said they did not think their insurance would cover the cost and extra spending on new security measures would have to be considered.

Police confirmed they had been informed and were offering support.