POLICE are urging anyone leaving a Christmas wreath at a graveside to security mark it or tie it to a brick or lump of wood in a bid to beat thieves.
The plea comes after wreaths left last year at cemeteries in the Alcester area were targeted by heartless thieves.
Local officers suspect the wreaths may have been stolen and then re-sold at markets or other venues.
To combat the thieves they are asking people remembering loved ones who have passed away to not leave any wreaths until as close to December 25 as possible.
A spokesperson said: “Last year we unfortunately had a number of Christmas wreaths stolen from graves.
“Due to the number of items stolen they may be being taken to be resold at markets and we would advise that such items are left as close to December 25 as is reasonably possible making them less of a target.”
He added: “Wreaths and other items can also be security marked with a postcode and house number with ultra violet markers so if they do get stolen there is a chance they can be recovered by police and the offenders identified.
“Other crime prevention techniques may include cable tying the wreaths to bricks or lumps of wood which would hinder them being stolen.
“However please make sure this does not break any local rules set by the cemetery owners or local authority.”
Police say if visitors see anyone acting suspiciously in cemeteries to call them on 101.
