A NEWPORT mother is devastated after discovering thieves stole lanterns from her father’s grave.

Michelle Chapman, 43, was shocked to discover that three “lovely” lanterns placed on her father’s grave had been stolen from his resting place at St Woolos cemetery, Newport.

Her father, John Brian Butler, died aged 64 last year.

Ms Chapman said the family had placed three large, medium and small lanterns on his grave on December 22 to decorate it for Christmas time.

But when Ms Chapman returned to the grave just over a month later she found that the lanterns had been taken.

“Thieves have stolen the lanterns that were placed on the grave,” she said.

“We lay lanterns and angels on the grave but when we went back they were gone.

“They were too big to have just blown away.

“It is just sickening. I am just angry that people can do such a thing, it is really upsetting.”

Ms Chapman added that it wasn’t about how much they were worth it was the principle and said her family was really upset.

“I want people to be aware that this is happening in the community and warn people if they are putting things on their loved ones’ graves that they may be stolen,” she added.

Ms Chapman hopes that someone may see the lanterns and get in touch but if not she said she will have to replace them.

Gwent Police are appealing for information about the theft of the three metal lanterns, which was discovered on February 16.

They ask anyone who can help to call 101 quoting log 265/17/2/14