Gravestones have been vandalised for the second time in under a month at a historic Bedford churchyard, leaving parishioners “deeply disturbed” and prompting calls for greater security.
The damage occurred at The Sacred Heart of Jesus and St Cuthbert’s Church in Mill Street, where headstones, including that of former Bedford Mayor Peregrine Nash, were targeted in what the church has described as “mindless and cruel” acts.
The first incident took place on 28 July, with further damage made to graves on Monday, 25 August. The church says it cannot understand why the cemetery is being targeted and will now be seeking police support to improve security.
“As a Parish Community, we are deeply disturbed that graves have been desecrated,” said a spokesperson for the parish committee. “The final resting place of a deceased loved one has always been a place of reverence and respect. This is unbelievably mindless and cruel.”
Church leaders are now consulting with a stonemason to assess the damage and have confirmed they will be applying for funding through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s grant scheme to install CCTV at the site.
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Police investigation
Inspector Vicky Stoughton from Bedfordshire Police said officers were investigating and had visited the church within 24 hours of the second report being received.
“Every crime report is assessed and responded to based on the level of threat, harm, and risk to public safety, as well as any available opportunities to identify those responsible and gather sufficient evidence to secure a prosecution,” she said.
“Following the initial report, a member of our Crime Bureau contacted the individual who made the report to provide an update on the status of the investigation.
“A further report was received shortly after 12.30pm on Tuesday (26 August), and officers attended the scene within 24 hours to take a statement.
She added that St Cuthbert’s Church and the surrounding area are already part of regular community policing patrols and that officers would continue to engage with the church to help prevent further offences.
Anyone with information about these incidents, or who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area, is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting reference 40/49462/25.
