POLICE are trying to track the "despicable" thief who has been stealing flowers from a graveyard — often within minutes of a funeral taking place.

Graves in the churchyard of St Michael's, Honiton, have been repeatedly targeted over the past few months.

The investigation is being led by PC Jo Arundale who said: "Someone has been removing fresh flowers from graves after mourners have left the area. This can often take place almost immediately after a funeral.

"The Honiton neighbourhood policing team is now working with the church to make sure that this activity stops and the person responsible is brought to account. Although often low-value thefts, the emotional impact of these crimes is very high and particularly distressing to those involved.

"The problem seems to be specific to St Michael's and we do not believe it is the actions of children misbehaving because of the nature of the thefts.

"In one incident, all the expensive flowers in a bouquet, such as roses, were removed with the other flowers left behind. Cards are also removed and left behind as flowers are taken."

Nicola McNally, whose home overlooks the churchyard, has seen her parents' grave targeted. She said: "It is despicable. I've been placing flowers on my parents' grave for the past three years. In the last few months, they've been taken six times.

"One family who had a funeral, came back a few hours later to take photographs of the flowers and somebody had taken them. In another incident, an elderly woman went to her late husband's grave to mark what would have been their 60th wedding anniversary, but her flowers had gone.

"Curiously, whoever is doing, does not touch the graves of children, or take artificial flowers."

PC Arundale said: "If the person responsible is reading this, I would urge them to consider the emotional impact of what they have been doing. Honiton police are now treating this as a priority."

Anyone who fears they may have been a victim of the thief, or has anyone information about the thefts can contact PC Arundale on 08452 777444.