Memorials Vandalised In Stoke New Cemetery, Stoughton Road

Published on: 14 Mar, 2016
Updated on: 17 Mar, 2016

A number of memorials in Stoke New Cemetery, Stoughton Road, Guildford have been vandalised.

A line of headstones pushed over in Stoke New Cemetery, Stoughton Road, Guildford.

In most cases headstones have been pushed over and are now lying flat.

A notice dated March 11 has been taped to the damaged stones by Guildford Borough Council’s bereavement services team.

Part of the notice reads: “We have unfortunately experienced vandalism of some memorials in this cemetery. If you are the owner of this memorial we will be making contact with you as soon as possible in order to inform you regarding the police investigations and with regard to the condition of the memorial itself. We have left the memorials in their current position in order to keep them safe and in order that we can take photographs for the police.”

Another of the damaged memorials.

It continues: “We are so sorry for any distress this has caused and please be assured that we will do everything we can to rectify the situation as soon as possible.”

Thye cross on this memorial has broken into three pieces.

Owners of damaged memorials can call the bereavement services team on 01483 444710.

In a statement, Guildford Borough Council said: “On Thursday, March 10, Stoke Cemetery unfortunately experienced an act of vandalism involving approximately 20 memorial headstones. We understand how distressing this must be for families and we want to assure everybody that we are doing all we can to secure the grounds and help the police with their investigation.

“We are in the process of contacting all the individual families affected by this.

“Stoke Cemetery is a place for reflection and peace for friends and family and a vital part of our community. We ask that all visitors help us to keep it safe by reporting anything suspicious to cemetery staff or the police.”

Surrey Police is appealing for information and its local safer neighbourhood team have been made aware of the incident. Scene of crime officers have carried out a forensic examination of the site.

Anyone who witnessed the damage or with any information is asked to call Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference 45160020150, or call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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