A distraught widow is calling for increased security at a Bradford cemetery about she discovered thefts appeared to have taken place at about 30 graves.

Denise Theaker, 58, of Queensbury, said she was shocked when she found a metal flower-holder had been taken from her husband’s grave at Queensbury Cemetery in Russell Hall Lane.

Mrs Theaker, who visits the cemetery up to three times a week, then noticed the metal tops from holders on about 30 other graves appeared to have been stolen.

She said: “I was really upset. I stood there and cried. I could buy a replacement but that’s not the point. What are things coming to when they are pinching from the dead? That’s what they are doing.

“I want to make other people aware that this has happened. Some people might not come here in the winter and when they come back in the spring they could get quite a shock. It would be very upsetting to them.

“I don’t think there’s a lot we can do about it. I would like there to be more security.

“One of the gates is left open all night. Both of them should be locked.”

Councillor Michael Walls (Con, Queensbury) said: “It’s a despicable thing to do. People should know better than that whatever age they are. Fortunately we don’t get a lot of vandalism there.

“It’s the first instance that I have heard of. I will certainly have a look around the area and see if I can find anything.”

Antonio Smith, Bradford Council’s bereavement services manager, said: “We sympathise with anyone having items stolen from any of our cemeteries and we would advise them to inform the police as the graves are private property. At Queensbury Cemetery, while one gate is locked to prevent vehicles, the other has to be left open to allow pedestrian access at all times.

“Even if the pedestrian gate were locked it would not be difficult for anyone to climb into the cemetery and gain access that way.

“We will be speaking to our park rangers and asking them to be extra vigilant in the case of Queensbury Cemetery.”

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Police were called at 3pm on Wednesday to Russell Hall Lane to reports of a theft. Neighbourhood policing team officers are aware and will be paying particular attention to the area.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0845 6060606.