Thieves have stolen an ornament from a 10-year-old boy’s grave.
Jayden Ravello died suddenly in his sleep last October, and was buried in New Elgin Cemetery on Linkwood Road.
More than 500 people gathered with his parents, Michelle and Kerry, to release balloons and lanterns in a moving display at Cooper Park in the days after his death.
But earlier this week, his family “heartbroken” when they realised a gnome ornament from the Seafield Primary School pupil’s grave was missing.
The quirky model was placed at the youngster’s grave in tribute to his sense of fun, and provided some light relief for Jayden’s six-year-old brother, Tyrese.
Mrs Ravello makes daily trips to Jayden’s grave and believes the ornament was taken between 5pm and 6pm on Monday.
She said yesterday that she is hopeful the thief will return the object without her having to report the matter to the police.
She added: “The gnome was given as a gift to Jayden, and we like to think of him looking down and laughing at it the same as Tyrese does when we visit.
“It has its bum out, which lights up in the dark, which may sound silly to some people but it means a lot to us.
“It makes Tyrese smile and laugh when he sees it, and makes other people giggle when they are passing.
“Jayden was a typical 10-year-old boy, and that was his sense of humour too.
“I’m hoping that whoever took it learns about how much it means to us, and returns it without the police having to get involved.”
Mrs Ravello believes the trinket may have been stolen by someone under the influence of alcohol, who didn’t realise the upset their actions would cause.
Police said that, should Mrs Ravello decide to report the matter, it would be taken seriously.
Sergeant Kevin McPherson said: “The theft of a gnome from a grave at New Elgin Cemetery has not been reported to police, however we would encourage anyone with information to contact us on 101.
“A theft from a grave is a serious matter and will be very upsetting for the family involved.”