Leicestershire locals have been left heartbroken after brazen thieves stole trees that were set to be planted as part of a Remembrance event.
The Willows Natural Burial Ground in Barsby was planning to hold the commemorative event for families over the weekend, but had their hopes dashed after their premises were raided.
On Tuesday evening, the thieves made off with 52 trees and bushes after breaking into the burial site’s secure compound.
Bereaved families had been invited to select trees or bushes to be planted on the grounds as part of an event in remembrance.
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The event, through the sale of refreshments and donations, was intended to raise money for a local hospice.
The site, which opened in 2011, is home to 750 burials.
Leicestershire Police have also been made aware of the incident after the site’s padlocked gate was cut open and the special trees and bushes were stolen.
Chris Scroby, who runs The Willows Natural Burial Ground, condemned the crime as “like stealing from the dead”.
Thieves stole 52 trees and bushes that were itended to be planted for a Remembrance event
|WILLOWS NATURAL BURIAL GROUND
He said: "They probably think it is fair to steal from a burial ground and the mourners, and these are the families of loved ones who we have here.
"I think it is outrageous; it is like stealing from the dead.
"We don't want people to be worried a fearful about coming to see their loved ones."
Mr Scroby confirmed most of the trees had been replaced, costing the business thousands of pounds, but some mourners’ chosen varieties of plants have been harder to source.
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The owner of Willows Natural Burial Ground condemned the act
|WILLOWS NATURAL BURIAL GROUND
He shared his concern that the company’s insurance was unlikely to cover the galling event.
Bereaved families also shared their sadness at the raid on the burial ground, including Steven Plant, who bought a tree in memory of his wife, Susan, who died in April.
Mr Scroby: “It leaves me feeling more depressed than I was already with Sue passing and that is quite a lot.
"(The thieves) lack self-respect and all in all it is a pretty sad condition for a human being to be in, although they won't realise it, they will think what they have done is clever."
Alison Thompson, who also bought a tree, said: "We have plots here for ourselves, we have plots here for family members and I have friends who are buried here.
"I just think it is really really sad. Not only because of what has happened but it shows they have no respect, I just can't believe people can do such a thing,” she told the BBC.
Leicestershire Police said they were offering support.
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