Theft from twins' grave

A grieving Shropshire mother has been left heartbroken after "despicable" thieves stole toys and keepsakes from the graves of her stillborn twins.Siobhan Gibson, from Market Drayton, is now having to remove treasured keepsakes from the cemetery where her twins are buried, because of the thefts.

The 23 year-old makes the trip to Bushbury Crematorium in Wolverhampton almost every day, despite being pregnant, to tend the graves of Annie and Ashley.

Susan Bond, Mrs Gibson's mother, said the graves have been targeted twice in three months.

"They took one of the toys, which means we have to replace both," said Mrs Bond.

"We can't leave a toy for one of the twins and not the other. My daughter's partner has said he would be willing to contribute to some CCTV or other security.

"It is happening too much and it is very distressing for people who have lost children."

The twins were stillborn in August 2006. Their grave is just one of several being targeted by thieves at the Wolverhampton cemetery.

Nineteen-year-old Louize Jackson, of Wolverhampton, discovered toys, flowers and Disney novelty lights missing from her stillborn daughter Shannon's resting place.

Felicity Roberts, spokeswoman for Wolverhampton City Council, which is responsible for the crematorium, said: "Targeting people who are already distressed by bereavement is a despicable crime and we are asking staff to be extra vigilant."

Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to call West Midlands Police on 08451 135000.