Police are hunting thieves who have been preying on people visiting the graves of loved ones.

In the latest incident at Sutton Road cemetery in Southend, a 60-year-old woman was tending to a grave just a couple of metres in front of her parked car.

When she went back to it, she found someone had grabbed her handbag through an open window.

There was a spate of similar thefts a couple of months ago and police are warning people to be vigilant.

A Southend police spokeswoman said: "Opportunist thieves do not spare a thought for their victims but it seems unthinkably heartless to prey on mourners in a cemetery.

"They do this because they know cars will be left unoccupied and often unlocked or with open windows, as their owners are usually only away from them for a short time."

The red bag contained a purse, a mobile phone, a Gucci watch strap and credit cards.

A white man on a bike, aged 18 to 25, was seen near the lady's car.

Anyone with information should contact police on 01702 431212.

Published Friday, May 30, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo