POLICE are working closely with church officials following a spate of thefts from gravesides in Honiton.

POLICE are working closely with church officials following a spate of thefts from gravesides in Honiton.In an unsual move, police have made a direct appeal to the thief and say they are determined to put a stop to the crimes, which have shocked and outraged the community.Mourners have been devastated to discover fresh flowers missing almost immediately after burials at St Michael's churchyard.Police are determined to stop the thefts, which have heaped grief on grief to affected families.Neighbourhood Beat Manager PC Jo Arundale said: "This is a series of crimes that has proved to have had a significant impact on the community."As such, we are making every effort to stop it."If the person responsible is reading this now, I would urge them to consider the emotional impact of what they have been doing and add that Honiton policing team are now treating this as a priority and will use all available methods to support St Michael's."Similarly, is anyone has any information as to the identify of the person involved, please contact us."PC Arundale added: "does someone you know have an unusual supply of fresh flowers, or is someone you know selling them?"all information will be treated confidentially.