Kerbing targeted in graveside thefts

Rural crime is at an all-time high, and some criminals perpetrating it have gone to an all-time low - stealing kerbing from family graves.

People living in a rural community in Co Cork are considering setting up special patrols at their local graveyard to combat the stone-hearted thefts.

Kerbing from two different plots has been stolen from St John’s graveyard at Lisgoold, near Midleton.

It’s believed the incidents occurred last week, possibly between September 23-25.

The thefts have both upset and angered locals.

Local community council vice-chairman Liam Dolan said when he first heard the news he couldn’t believe anybody would stoop so low.

“I said to myself, is it now gone to that. Are the dead even safe from theft now?” Mr Dolan said.

He said the community council was considering setting up patrols to prevent a reoccurrence.

“This is very distressing for the families involved and I can tell you a lot of people in the community are very upset and angry about it,” Mr Dolan added.

“A lot more people are now visiting the graveyard on a more frequent basis to check on family plots because of what has happened. People are naturally very concerned.”

“Even though we are living in a rural area there is quite a lot of traffic passing by the graveyard. It’s a busy road and we’re also appealing to motorists who are using it to keep an eye out for us,” Mr Dolan said.

Parish Priest Fr Denis O’Hanlon said it was “very hurtful and distressing” to relatives.

“I am appealing to anybody who sees any suspicious activity in the graveyard to immediately report it to the gardaí,” Fr O’Hanlon said.

“I haven’t heard of anything like this before. Fortunately it is not common, thanks be to God.”