Ornamental water fountain and solar panel stolen from Sutton Bridge Cemetery
Thieves who stole an ornament and its power source from Sutton Bridge Cemetery have been branded as ‘despicable’ by a village leader.
Coun John Grimwood, chairman of Sutton Bridge Parish Council, responded angrily after an ornamental water fountain and the solar panel that powered it were ripped out of the ground at the cemetery in Fields Farm North, off Bridge Road, Sutton Bridge.
The theft was discovered by parish council workers on December 6, although police believe the items could have been taken as long ago as November 15.
Parish clerk Robert Smith said: “The theft was all the more shameful as the fountain helped to provide a pleasant and tranquil setting where bereaved families could remember their loved ones.”
It was among a spate of incidents in around the cemetery, Memorial Park and Curlew Centre in recent weeks.
Picnic benches were turned upside down in the park and used condoms were dumped outside the Curlew Centre where litter was left on the car park.
Coun Grimwood said: “Someone obviously went to the cemetery with the intention of taking the ornament because they also took the solar panel that was on top of it.
“I personally think it’s despicable that someone goes into a burial ground and steals things.
“We’ve had anti-social behaviour around the Curlew Centre but this theft and so we’re looking to upgrade the village’s CCTV to try and combat the problems there.”
In addition, new anti-social behaviour notices are to be put up outside the Curlew Centre and community wardens from South Holland District Council have also been to Sutton Bridge.
Coun Grimwood said: “We employ a part-time litter picker who clears the area outside the Curlew Centre and Memorial Park.
“But I don’t know what the answer to this problem is, although a greater police presence would help.”
The water fountain was one of the main features at the cemetery which was officially opened in September 2017.
Details of the ornament's theft came in the same month as parish councillors started talks with the police to upgrade CCTV coverage of the village in an attempt to tackle anti-social behaviour.
Parish and district councillor Michael Booth said: "There's a problem with anti-social behaviour in Sutton Bridge and I've been very concerned about dealing with it.
"I went to a meeting at the district council where I raised my concerns because we've got to stand up and say 'enough is enough'.
"Because of the amount of drug taking and drinking that I've heard goes on in Memorial Park, we've got to do whatever we can to stamp this out."
Anyone with information about the theft should call 101, quoting incident number 166 of December 6.
In response, Coun Gary Taylor, the district council's portfolio holder for communities and facilities said: "We are aware of several recent incidents of anti-social behaviour in Sutton Bridge and are working with the parish council and local residents to help tackle the issues.
"Our Community Wardens have carried out increased patrols in the area as a direct result of the information we have received.
"As well as patrolling the area, they have spoken to several shops and local residents to promote ways by which people can report incidents or information they have.
"We would encourage anyone who knows anything to report it to the police on 101 or to South Holland District Council at www.sholland.gov.uk/reportit"
