Devastation for families as 'disgraceful' vandals target Kingsdown Cemetery
Grave items and litter have been left strewn across the lawn
Last updated 28th Apr 2022
Anyone with information about a vandalism incident at Kingsdown Cemetery in Swindon is being urged to come forward.
Vases and other grave items were left scattered across the lawn last weekend, with between 50 and 100 graves thought to be affected.
Swindon Borough Council workers, who manage the Cemetery, arrived on Monday morning to find several items showing clear signs of damage. Beer cans were also seen littered between the graves.
The local authority has described the actions as "heartless".
'We want to make sure it doesn’t happen again'
Matthew Ball, Bereavement Services Manager at the Council, said: "Words cannot describe how horrible this is, not only for the families of those graves affected in the lawn section, but also for everyone else who has a loved one at rest in the cemetery who will now fear it could happen to them.
"This shouldn’t happen and we want to make sure it doesn’t happen again".
'Makes me sick that they touched my son's resting place'
News of the vandalism soon spread to the community, as many expressed their anger and dismay online.
Marie Mcvicker, a local teaching assistant, said: "Sadly my son's grave was one to be affected. His dad went yesterday and said that lots of things have vanished, especially the shells that were put down by my nieces and nephew".
Swindon resident Beth Gore called the incident "absolutely disgraceful".
"This is a lovely cemetery which I normally find very peaceful and comforting, but seeing this ... is very distressing for those that have loved ones buried here. Completely unacceptable and unnecessary," she added.
Clare Miller said: "(It) makes me sick that they touched my son's resting place, so upsetting".
All the items that were left on the lawn area have since been placed at the far side of the cemetery, for collection by the loved ones of the graves affected.
The Council is now encouraging any witnesses of the incident to contact: kingsdowncrematorium@swindon.gov.uk.