HEARTLESS thieves are repeatedly stealing a grieving family’s tributes to a deceased young man from a cemetery in Purbeck.

The family of the man, who died around a year ago and has not been named by the police, have seen various items stolen from his graveside in the God’s Acre Cemetery in West Street, Corfe Castle, during the past six to eight months.

The most recent theft saw flowers raided from the grave site.

It is thought to have taken place between 4.30pm on Friday, March 2, and 10.30am on Saturday, March 3.

Other items left by the family and taken from the site in recent months include vases, stone signs, lanterns and flowers.

Detectives say the thefts are thought to have generally occurred at night.

Police Constable Charley Dunstan, of Dorset Police, said: “These thefts have obviously caused a great deal of distress to the family at a very difficult time.

“The victims are sure that these items have not simply blown away or been removed by cemetery staff and have in fact been stolen.

“I am appealing for anyone who has witnessed any suspicious activity around the cemetery or who has any information about these thefts to contact police.

“I would also make a direct appeal to those responsible to have a conscience and do the right thing by coming forward to put an end to this terribly upsetting experience for the family.

“I would also like to hear from anyone else who has experienced similar incidents at the cemetery.”

The cemetery, which was established in 1924 after the village churchyard at St Edward’s reached capacity, is managed by a group of trustees based around the village.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting reference 55180029532.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org