POLICE patrols have been stepped up at a Biddulph cemetery after thieves snatched floral tributes left by mourning relatives.

Officers believe the thieves could be stealing to order from the graveyard at St Lawrence's Church.

The town council is also considering implementing its own measures to halt the spate of thefts, which have even included stone memorials.

Town Mayor Jim Harrison described the thieves as 'the lowest of the low'.

He added: "Churchyards are sacred places, I cannot believe anyone would stoop so low as to steal from a church. You would think they would be ashamed to do such a thing.

"The thefts started a few months ago with flowers disappearing from graves and has now escalated to a couple of memorial stones being stolen.

"One of the deceased was a fishing enthusiast and his family had a stone engraved with 'gone fishing' which was stolen. These are quite large items and whoever is doing it must be using a car."

He insisted that measures to nab the criminals are now being taken by the council.

Cllr Harrison added: "Although I can't go into the details, I can say that the council is taking measures to deal with this. It is absolutely appalling and we do not intend to let these people get away with it.

"And when we do catch these people we will make sure they are taken to court and prosecuted ourselves and see to it that they get the heaviest possible penalties."

A police spokesman said: "Some of the memorials have a high antique value and it could be that the thieves are stealing to order."