Hip replacements 'stolen from crematorium'

An employee at Thornhill Crematorium in Cardiff has been dismissed

Police are investigating an allegation that titanium hip replacements have been stolen from a crematorium.

Cardiff council, which runs Thornhill Crematorium, confirmed that a member of staff there has been "suspended and subsequently dismissed."

Metal orthopaedic joints left over after a person is cremated are usually sold off by the council to raise money for various charities.

No arrests have yet been made.

A council spokesperson said: “On being made aware of an unauthorised entry to the crematorium an investigation was conducted which led to a member of staff being suspended and subsequently dismissed.

“During this unauthorised visit two titanium orthopaedic joints were taken from a recycling container.

"These joints are kept aside for recycling purposes and are sold by the council every year, raising money for various charities.

"Once set aside for recycling they are not traceable to (their former owners)."

The crematorium opened in 1953 and handles thousands of cremations each year.

The theft was reported to South Wales Police, and the council is helping the investigation.

“We recognise the upset that this story might cause the bereaved who have used our services, but we want them to know we have carried out a thorough investigation which has led to the dismissal of a member of staff," added a spokesperson.

“It’s important to the council that our employees maintain the highest standards which has clearly not happened in this case.

"We would like to take this opportunity to apologise to anyone who is caused upset or concern by this story and to assure everyone that measures have been put in place to stop anything like this happening again.”

South Wales Police confirmed it is investigating and no arrests have been made.