Is it a criminal offence to steal items off a grave?

Natasha B

It is illegal, the problem is you have to prove it.

theonlytufrose

Yes it is illegal. And can be prosecuted.
Its also the lowest form of stealing and anyone that does it is the lowest life form there is.
Stealing from the dead.
How disrespectful.

Smogsss!

i believe it is illegal because it could be classed as stealing someone elses property! but without proof, it would be difficult but you could enquire at the police station anyway to find out

i would be furious if people were doing that to my grandparents grave! i hope they get caught!

Anti theist

Yes, it is theft

Philosophicist

Yes, grave robbing is theft. I mean come on, it it also hugely immoral.

Peggy I

It is a criminal offense to steal anything from anywhere.

Dani

It is illegal, it's theft. Desecration of a grave in and of itself is wrong.

Hey :)

It's got to be. Even though your Grandfather has passed away, precious items of either his or your family are on his Grave and are not this person who has been stealing them.

Ring the Police/Cops(Not sure if you're American lol) and tell them whats been going on because this isn't fair at all.

fiestasi_uk

It is defently considered theift...

Question of, is s/he stealing from your grandfather or from the person who leaves the items on the grave...

That would effect legal outcomes in civil court however in a magistrates court, it is theft and therefore the goverment can and will prosicute the offender...

My advice, go to the police...

RetroRanch

It sounds like it might be the cemetery authority. If that's their rules, whoever bought the plot likely agreed to abide by their rules.

roger.williams20@btinternet.com

It is stealing of the worst sort and I would certainly report the matter to the police. Have you any proof who the culprit is?

Obama 2012, all worn out

Heck yes, and if you know who they are and haven't stomped thier head into mush WAYSA?

Masonic Knight

Is the letter from the owners of the graveyard?..If so they may have a policy about removing things after a period of time

Lily B Talus

yes it is theft, the person could get a prison sentence for this as no one likes this sort of offence...go to the police or to the local paper - who will LOVE a story such as this

robert c

Yes!It is.

Mr Abba

That is wrong and illegal. You can report this matter to the police if you like.

mkjm104

The degree to which this action is a criminal matter can differ depending on where you are and what the statutes are locally. Notify management at the facility. There must be some body that pays the caretakers or keeps things organized. I would contact them first. They are more experienced with the laws and regs that govern their facility and then involve the police armed with that info. Regardless of the legality, morally it is wrong to take something that is yours. Obviously, things left as a memorial are not abandoned property. Just what the status of those items are regarding the law would, again, be something I would research at the facility. Good luck to you

luisejones

I am not sure but if you are in doubt then why not ask a local solicitor? They may b able to help and the first consultation is always free. You could also seek out a restraining order or something that could ban this vile unfeeling and disrespectful human beaing away from your grandfathers' grave altogether with an added clause that the person replacews all things taken or the monies gained from them or face not only court action but a fine or somethingas-welll. But asolicitorr is your best port of call as it seems to me that it could be classed as a form of grave robbing which MOSTDEFINITELYY is a criminal offence. Good luck with your search for an appropriate answer, and sorry to hear about your loss, even though we do not knoweach otherr.

You have proof since they stupidly wrote you a letter. start by going to the main office of the cemetery and speak to administration there and they can advise you further.

Rommel

well three years ago i came across six death medallions from the first world war on a car boot stall. all had screw driver marks on them where they had been prised from the marble grave stones, they even had some of the lead sealer around the edges. i asked them where they got them and they didn't speak english. so i stood there and called the police. and the police just walked away leaving them to openly sell them saying, we have no proof that they were stolen. all they had to do was take the medallions and match them to the sixty or so war graves at the local cemetery. the lazy useless b@stards couldn't even be bothered. so i wouldn't bother calling the "police force" if i were you. try setting up a spy cam. that way you have some evidence. provided ,that is, that the grave robber is British. if hes an Immigrant, forget it. OH! just to name and shame them. it was the Peterborough police.

tr101wut

If this is illegal, then I don't want to be legal.

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