Exclusive by Emma Kasprzak
Jewellery, which had been on the grave of a 15-year-old school girl for over a decade, has been stolen in a ‘despicable’ theft.
Various trinkets were taken from the grave of Laura Bardsley, of Whitchurch, who died in her sleep in December 1997.
The theft was discovered by her sister Faye Bardsley who was visiting the grave on what would have been Laura’s birthday.
Police are appealing for information regarding the incident which is believed to have taken place some time between September 13 and about 3pm on Saturday, September 27.
The theft, which included two rusted bracelets, a necklace, some marbles and one pence pieces, occurred at the Mile Bank cemetery in the town.
All of the items were left by family members.
One of the bracelets is described as a gold t-bar, while another is a silver chain.
Laura, who was a pupil at Sir John Talbot’s Technology College, was found in her bed by her brother Mark at her home in Claypit Street.
An inquest ruled her death as a result of natural causes, namely Sudden Adult Death Syndrome, a condition similar to cot death in babies.
Faye Bardsley said the theft was pointless as the jewellery was worth little. She believes it was probably taken by children.
She said: “I think it’s got to be kids. It’s not very nice. They’ve never been touched before. I always go and check the grave and clean it and when I went up on her birthday I saw they’d gone.
“It’s not the value but how can someone be so disrespectful like that?
“Me and my brother are both upset, I rang my mom and she started crying.”
Rob Hewson, Whitchurch Town councillor, has condemned the theft.
He said: “Whoever stole the jewellery is despicable, I don’t know how anyone can steal off a person’s grave.
“If they have a guilty conscience they can put the items through my letter box at 7 Alkington Road, anonymously, and I can return them to the family.”
Anyone with information about the incident or who notices any suspicious activity in the cemetery, particularly in the evenings, weekends and at night, is asked to contact Whitchurch Police on 08457 444888.
Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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