Police have received fresh reports of thefts from a Moray cemetery since an Elgin mum launched an appeal after a memento was taken from her son’s grave last week.
Michelle Ravello made an emotional request for the return of a quirky garden gnome statue taken from the resting place of 10-year-old Jayden.
The mum chose not to contact the police, in the hopes that a public message on social media would stir the conscience of the thief and prompt them to return it.
But police reacted by condemning those responsible, and urging others to report any similar crimes.
Now officers have been made aware of the unlawful removal of flowers and plants from Lossiemouth Cemetery.
It is understood that the grieving families affected only came forward after learning about Mrs Ravello’s similar experience in the Press and Journal.
The items were lifted in May and June, from different parts of the grounds.
Constable Alison Cooper is leading the investigation into the “despicable” thefts.
She said “Following media coverage of similar incidents elsewhere, we recently received this complaint of the theft of flowers left at a gravestone in May and the theft of a planter containing plants in June from a separate grave in Lossiemouth cemetery.
“Although the thefts have occurred some time ago, I would appeal to anyone who has information, or has seen any suspicious behaviour at the cemetery in the last few months, to contact us.
“The family member who has left these tributes is understandably very upset and reading recently about similar incidents in the press led them to make contact with us now.
“Thefts from cemeteries are particularly despicable and I would urge anyone with information to contact us quoting reference 1299 of 13 July.”
People can alternatively contact the police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.