Police patrols after theft and damage at cemetery

Officers said they had increased patrols near a cemetery in Birmingham, after reports of criminal damage and theft.

There had been a "number of reports" of incidents at Kings Norton cemetery since the start of year, said West Midlands Police.

The force added it understood "the pain and anguish that this will be causing to relatives of those buried there" and was also liaising with the management at the site around security.

Anyone with information about who was responsible was asked to contact the West Midlands force on 101.

Birmingham City Council, which runs the site, said its bereavement service took reports of damage very seriously and investigated any complaints as soon as they were received.

A spokesperson apologised for "any distress caused" and added while regular checks of all areas of cemeteries took place, "unfortunately it is not possible to protect everything from damage".

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