More memorial plaques were stolen from the memorial gardens at Overdale Crematorium over the weekend, bringing the total to over 900.
Staff from Bolton Council, which cares for the memorial gardens, discovered the theft early on Monday morning and have determined that 114 metal plaques were stolen sometime between 6pm on Friday and 7am on Monday.
The matter has been reported to the police, who are investigating.
The theft follows a similar incident in July 2024 when over 800 memorial plaques were stolen overnight from the gardens.
Council officers believe that even though the plaques are made of gunmetal, which is very low value compared with brass and other metals, the thieves may try to sell them to scrap metal merchants.
However, tighter rules governing scrap metal dealers make selling the plaques much more difficult, as anyone supplying scrap to a merchant must provide photo ID and a bank account, as payment in cash is illegal.
Anyone who finds their plaque is missing should report the matter to Overdale Crematorium office, or contact the office on 01204 334499, and the service will help to replace the missing plaque as soon as possible.
A council spokesperson said:
“This is a disgusting crime and it is difficult to believe anyone could sink to the level of stealing plaques commemorating loved ones from a memorial garden.
“Some of them mean a great deal to people and have been visited regularly for decades, meaning people will be heartbroken to find them missing.
“The council is working with the police to identify those responsible and anyone who believes their loved one’s memorial has been stolen is encouraged to get in touch to discuss a replacement.”