EVIL thieves have plundered flowers laid by mourning relatives at the graves of their loved ones.

People laying wreaths and posies at headstones in the graveyard of St James's Church, Farnworth, are being forced to chop off stalks to deter the thieves.

Last month the BEN highlighted a sickening spate of vandalism in the burial ground, which has seen scores of grave stones knocked over and smashed.

Now an angry caller to the BEN has told how thugs have even stolen flowers from some burial plots.

And in desperation some people now cut off flower stems so they are worthless to anyone else.

Rev Dougie Bird, aged 60, who is a part-time minister at the church on the corner of St James Street and George Street said the thefts began about three years ago.

He added: "I know people have spoken to the church warden and other members of the congregation about this.

"I'm aware that some people now cut the flowers' stems very short. It must have been the idea of one of the families.

"It means they are useless to anyone else but they still make the grave stone look a little more attractive."

More than 20 headstones have been badly damaged in attacks after vandals toppled the large blocks of stone. Marble crucifixes have also been smashed and church gate posts defaced.

Fed-up church members also believe the graveyard has also been the haunt of drug users.

Rev Bird added: "It's a great pity that people have to resort to these measures. Those responsible must have no conscience."

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