Funeral flowers stolen from crematorium
AWIDOW has been left devastated after callous thieves stole her husband’s funeral flowers.
The floral tributes, left in memory of Peter Goodwin, were pinched from Macclesfield Crematorium within two days of the funeral on Thursday, August 24.
Widow Edith Goodwin, 73, said she was distraught after returning to collect the tributes and finding they had been taken.
She said: “I don’t know what kind of people would do such a thing – it’s just evil.
“We had some beautiful flowers left by the family, I wanted to bring them home so I could have them at home for a little while longer.
“It’s not about the money, it’s the principle. What would anyone want with other people’s funeral flowers? It’s very upsetting.”
Grandmother- of- one Edith, who lives on Dale Crescent in Congleton, had returned to the crematorium two days after the funeral to collect the flowers with friend Joanne Phillips, and together they reported the matter to the police.
Among the flowers were a big bunch of flowers from the family, three individual roses and some smaller bunches.
Joanne, also from Congleton, said: “It’s despicable and heartless. The idea that someone would take someone’s funeral flowers shows a complete lack of respect for the family who have just lost a loved one.
“Obviously we would like them returned, but they are going to be withered now so there’s not much that can be done with them. Really this message needs to be shared so other people don’t think their flowers will be safe.”
Peter was a retired taxi driver who had lived in Congleton all his life. Dad to Michelle and grandad to Nathan, he died as a result of diabetes aged 69.
PC Helen Percival said: “This was a despicable and heartless act, which has left the lady who had just lost her husband distraught.
“I hope the people or person responsible realises that stealing the flowers was not a victimless crime. It was callous thing to do to someone who is going through such a difficult time in their life.”
A spokesman for Cheshire East Council said: “It is very sad that someone has stolen flowers from the crematorium. It shows a total lack of respect and is deeply regrettable.
“We ask that anyone who may have seen anything suspicious from Thursday night into Friday morning come forward to the police with information.”
Information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Anyone with information regarding the theft, which happened between 2pm on Thursday, August 25, and midday on Saturday, August 27, should contact police on 101 quoting 071626769.
MAN ASSAULTED
A MAN suffered head and facial injuries after he was viciously assaulted in the town centre.
The 31-year-old victim was on his way home along Exchange Street from Mill Street with a female companion after a night out when he was set upon by three men. The group attacked the man repeatedly punching him in the face and head. He fell to the floor but the men continued the attack. The trio only stopped when they were disturbed. They made off in an unknown direction. It happened at 4.20am on Sunday, August 28. One of the offenders is described as white, about 30 years old, 5ft 8inch and stocky, bald and wearing a grey t-shirt. PC Dan Lawton said: “The victim was on his way home after a night out. He was attacked by three unknown males who repeatedly punched him to the face and head causing facial injuries. While the victim was on the floor the attackers then continued the assault until being disturbed.”
Anyone with information should call 101 and quote incident 251 of 28/08/16 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.