GRAVE robbers have left a family devastated and demanding that CCTV be installed at Atherton Cemetery.

Barbara Leyland was shocked to discover a new lantern and a heart-shaped ornament she had bought for her son Martyn Orme had been stolen when she visited his grave on June 8.

The 78-year-old, from Atherton, had bought the items the previous week.

Her daughter Amanda Newell, 47, also from Atherton, said: “I cannot believe with the amount of money people are charged for burials that the council cannot afford to pay for CCTV to be put in place.

“It would definitely deter these low lives from doing it.

“A similar thing happened to Martyn’s grave last year and I have seen quite a few cases on social media and it needs to stop.

“I do not know how someone could stoop so low. I think it is utterly disgusting.

“My mum goes there every morning at 10am to clean Martyn's final resting place and this is all she has left of him.”

Martyn died aged 48 in 2011 following a short battle with oesophagus cancer.

Paul Barton, Wigan Council’s assistant director for environmental services, said: “We are shocked and saddened by acts like this and encourage those affected to contact police with the full details in order for us to work as a partnership to identify the people responsible.

“All of our cemeteries are safely secured at night and reopened in the morning to prevent access and create a safe and respectful environment.

“We have to get the balance right for people who are visiting graves and security to prevent people misusing cemeteries.

"Lighting is not in place at any of our cemeteries and therefore CCTV would not help to solve the problem.”