Thieves steal lamps from baby's grave for a second time (From Gazette)

Thievs steal lamps from baby's grave at Colchester Cemetery

11:31am Friday 20th July 2012 in News

A BABY’S grave at a Colchester cemetery has been violated by thieves for the second time in four months.

Duane Caulton spent months patrolling his daughter Isabelle's grave every day following the first theft.

But he had to spend two days away when he got a bad back and when he returned more items had been stolen including a solar lamp.

Baby Isabelle was born prematurely at 22 weeks and died in the arms of mum Debbie Miller.

Duane, 44, of Old Heath Road, Colchester, created a shrine in her memory but now his faith in mankind is running out following the second raid.

He said: “I am furious. They have taken one of the two remaining lamps left after the first time.

“I am gutted and it feels like I am being personally targeted."

“How can these people live with themselves?

Isabelle died three years ago and Duane has to remember her by is some pictures of her in his hands.

To cope with the loss Duane, who has four other children and recently became a grandfather, put his building skills to work on her grave.

Police are appealing for information following the theft which happened between 5pm on Friday, July 13 and 2pm on Monday, July 16 at the Mersea Road cemetery and crematorium.

Anyone with information is asked to call PC James Harvey on Colchester 101.