A HONITON woman has been left distraught by thefts from her parents graves. Barbara Young, 49, from Hazelwood Close, has criticised thieves who could cause such distress to mourners at St Michael's Church.

A HONITON woman has been left 'distraught' by thefts from her parents' graves.

Barbara Young, 49, from Hazelwood Close, has criticised thieves who could cause such distress to mourners at St Michael's Church.

The mother-of-three said a plant, planter and flowers had been taken on two separate occasions. But she fears it is not a one-off incident and believes there have been thefts from other graves.

She said: "I find it hard to believe that there are such people around that have a total lack of consideration of others, let alone any respect.

"My sister and I are struggling to cope with the loss of both our beloved parents last year, within a very short space of time.

"We both feel quite distraught that our remembrances for our parents are treated as fair game for either greedy or selfish people.

"Over the last few months I have found it a great comfort to be able to tend my parents' grave and ensure there is always a display of flowers which they both loved. But this small solace has now been taken away from me."

She said the items were of sentimental value - and her niece had made the planter for her beloved grandparents.

She added that whoever was responsible should be ashamed - and that nobody could be so desperate as to steal from graves.