THIEVES have robbed graves of a piece of kit that is needed when they are dug.

They stole three special grave support units, which shore up the sides of newly-dug graves.

The rectangular aluminium units were stolen from a store at Lockwood Cemetery.

Pc Dave McSweeney, of Huddersfield police, said: "They are strange items to steal. The thieves may try to sell them to scrapyards, so we would urge people to be on the lookout for them."

The Gravshore supports are worth £2,335 and were made by Harrogate shoring specialists Groundforce.

Sales manager Andy Bainbridge said: "We mainly supply large shoring systems for building sites. The Gravshore support system is the smallest we do.

"The units are made from high-strength aluminium and are used to make the graves safe while they are dug and when mourners are at the graveside."

Gravediggers cut into the earth, and when they have gone some way down they put in one of the shoring units.

The unit is dropped in the hole, then a hydraulic ram system pushes the panels out against the sides of the hole, to prevent any risk of it caving in.

The workmen then carry on digging. The further they go down, the more units are put in. Three are sufficient for a depth of up to 8 feet.

Once the funeral has finished, the grave support system is removed and the grave is filled in.

* Anyone with information should contact Huddersfield police on 01484 436659 or the West Yorkshire Police switchboard on 0845 6060606.