Grave theft devastates family

The family of a young man is heartbroken and angry after the theft of a birthday present from a grave at Bunbury Cemetery.

Sharyn Hamilton told the South Western Times a present on her youngest son’s grave was stolen about two weeks ago.

The miniature motorbike made of nuts and bolts was a 20th birthday gift from her eldest son to his brother, who died 10 months ago.

‘‘My son was enraged and heartbroken when he found out, and so are we,’’ she said.

‘‘Why can some people be so cruel and heartless?’’

Bunbury Cemetery manager Peter Denboer said the cemetery had about six thefts from graves each year.

‘‘It is one of the lowest of the low things someone can do, you just can’t rob graves,’’ he said.

‘‘It is immoral behaviour and to this person, we ask you to consider what you have done.

‘‘Return the motorbike to the grave or drop it off so we can contact the family.’’

Mrs Hamilton said while the motorbike was not expensive, it had a special meaning because it was a birthday present.

‘‘It is such an identifiable piece and it is very recognisable,’’ she said.

‘‘You would think at a cemetery, people would be more respectful and it would be the one place a loved one could be free of such an act.

‘‘It is such a selfish thing to do, please just return it to the cemetery office.’’

Mr Denboer said the cemetery would be looking into the theft.

‘‘We will have a good search of the grounds to see if it has been dumped,’’ he said.

Mr Denboer said there had been increased security at the cemetery due to previous thefts, but it was impossible to be everywhere at once.

‘‘It is such a big area and we can’t be there 24/7, especially since we open on weekends so families can visit graves,’’ he said.

‘‘People should really pay attention to the Choose Respect message.’’

Anyone with information of the whereabouts of the motorbike can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.