Huddersfield Crematorium is set to get CCTV installed for a trial period after a spate of thefts.
As reported in the Examiner, grieving relatives had been left devastated after a string of thefts of flowers and trinkets from memorial stones at the crematorium in Fixby.
But the day after the Examiner reported how the family of the late Harry Pitchfork had been blighted by thefts from his memorial stone, a further replacement planter was stolen.
And as a consequence of further thefts being reported to Kirklees Council which runs the crematorium, it has now been agreed to trial CCTV at the site.
Harry’s daughter, Melissa Simons, 38, of Linthwaite said: “The brand new planter that was put on my dad’s headstone the day the Examiner photographer came has already been stolen!
It’s so upsetting as it is that another planter has been stolen from my dad’s headstone. At least now after the fourth time maybe we will find out who is doing this and put a stop to it.
“But now more people have come forward and complained to the council so much so that they have said they are going to install CCTV on a trial basis and increase patrols on an evening.”
Melissa’s father Harry, 59, a former Huddersfield Magistrate, died seven year ago from a severe infection and his widow Pauline – who lives in Crosland Moor – goes to the memorial stone every couple of days and there are always plants and fresh flowers on Harry’s memorial stone.
Kirklees Council previously said there was nothing they could do about the thefts but has since told Melissa and her family a trial of CCTV will be funded and Neighbourhood Police patrols increased.
