Grave-robbers strike again

Charles and Mary’s plot violated
GRAVE robbers have struck again in Oldham — this time violating the plot of much-loved grandparents.

The Chronicle reported a fortnight ago how a family was left heartbroken over Christmas after 18-month-old Brooklyn Wright’s grave was attacked in Greenacres Cemetery.

In the latest attack, the grave of Charles and Mary Meredith was targeted at Lees Cemetery.

Grand-daughter Julia Baines (46) had placed a small Christmas tree with battery-powered lights covered by a sealed box at the grave on December 17.

She discovered on Christmas Eve that the lights and box had been stolen — leaving only the tree behind.

Julia said: “It is just so upsetting to know someone can do this.

“It is not about the money, it is just plain heartbreaking on two people who are defenceless.

“I am frightened to go back to the cemetery, which I shouldn’t be.”

Julia revealed it was her daughter Danielle Armstrong’s idea to place the tree at the grave as both Charles and Mary loved Christmas.

The family says Mary died of a broken heart, five months after her husband’s death, in 1999.

The family of little Brooklyn Wright, who died in December, 2010, from bronchopneumonia, found the tot’s solar-powered tree ripped out from the ground last month.

This is the third known grave theft in the space of a month — the second at Lees Cemetery.

The first known incident was a flower-filled vase with “In loving memory” inscribed taken from the cemetery.

Julia, who moved from Oldham to Runcorn, Cheshire, seven years ago, added: “Normally Christmas brings out the best in people but not on this occasion.

“We are deeply distressed and I hope the people responsible are reading this. Just how low can you go?”

If anyone can help police with their inquiries, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.