Police probe grave-robbing attempt
Police are investigating after thieves tried to access an elderly couple's coffin at a cemetery in Gloucester
03 SEPTEMBER 2013
Police are investigating an attempted grave-robbing after thieves tried to get to an elderly couple's coffin.
The culprits dug a large hole next to the grave of Henry and Betty Brazil at Tredworth Road Cemetery in Gloucester.
Gloucestershire Police said the suspects might have been trying to get to the jewellery the couple were wearing when they were buried.
Mr and Mrs Brazil's family only discovered the attempted theft after visiting the cemetery to pay their respects.
They found someone had dug a 4ft-deep hole, measuring 3ft by 3ft.
The offenders had placed two recycling boxes upside down in the hole and laid earth across the top to disguise their work.
Nothing was stolen but the family believe they were after jewellery and other valuables in the buried casket.
Jenny Jones, the couple's daughter, said: "This is very upsetting. It's like the dead can't rest any more. It's not fair at all.
"All my brothers and sisters are distressed. There's someone at the grave pretty much every day at the moment to make sure this doesn't happen again but we can't keep that up forever.
"My message is please just let them rest."
The couple are buried alongside each other following Mr Brazil's death in 2011 and his wife's in 1996.
No damage was caused to the casket but the family are considering security measures at the grave.
Police are appealing for information about the offence, which took place between 5pm on September 1 and 9.45pm on September 2.
A force spokesman said staff at the cemetery reported the matter to police after Mr and Mrs Brazil's family raised the alarm.
"While it is unknown if those responsible were trying to bury something or uncover something the family believe they could have been after jewellery and other valuables contained in the casket at the grave," the spokesman said.
"Fortunately no damage was done to the casket but the family is angry and distressed by the incident."
The damage to the ground will cost the cemetery £100 to repair.
Press Association
