Thieves target Scunthorpe memorial garden

North Lincolnshire Council has condemned heartless thieves for stealing plaques from a Scunthorpe memorial garden.

Eleven memorial plaques were stolen from Woodlands Memorial Garden in Scunthorpe earlier this week. The theft of one was discovered by a devastated visitor, who alerted staff on Thursday, June 8.

Further investigation found another ten missing. The bolts that had fixed them in place were sheared off.

The council is contacting affected families. “Woodlands cemetery is a tranquil place for friends and family to visit to remember their loved ones,” said Cllr Neil Poole, cabinet member for environmental operations.

“This callous theft of memorials dedicated to those who have passed has left families and council staff in shock. This is the first time any of the staff can recall this type of theft and we are appealing for information to bring these thieves to justice.

“The police have been informed and anyone with any information should contact the police on 101 quoting reference number: 354-8th June 23.”

Woodlands Memorial Park is a consistent winner of the prestigious Green Flag Award for its green space. It won this award again last year, along with Central Park, Kingsway Gardens, and Sheffield Park in Scunthorpe.

Back in October 2021, Kingsway Gardens was the victim of “mindless vandalism” that saw a number of benches, plant beds and tree pulled up or displaced.