Families’ traumatised as thieves rob graves

DUP MLA William Irwin lambasted the ongoing thefts from graves at Orchard Cemetery in Richhill.

The Newry and Armagh MLA said officials from Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council, which owns the site, said they are actively investigating.

Mr Irwin said: “This is a very concerning issue and one can understand the distress that such an incident would cause a grieving family member to return to the plot only to see flowers removed and, in this latest incident, a vase with sentimental value stolen.”

“This issue has been raised directly with the Council and I know they are focusing on this issue in a bid to provide information on who is behind these incidents. I have also raised the issue with local neighbourhood police.

Appealing to those in volved to stop, he said: “Stop adding to the grief of those who have lost a loved one and simply want to visit a grave plot without any further trauma. To remove flowers or other items is distasteful and hurtful and must stop. Hopefully the Council can deal with this quickly and effectively.”

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