Cemetery thefts: Heartless thieves targeting people as they visit loved ones' graves

The vehicles targeted were unlocked, and valuables taken included the contents of handbags that were left visible.

Over the past two weekends there have been incidents reported at Ballyclare Cemetery and Carnmoney Cemetery.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Our advice is that when you are leaving home for a short time never take any more valuables than you can carry. This applies whether you are going to visit a loved one’s grave, going for a drive to the seaside, or even going to church.

“It can take a thief only a few seconds to spot valuables and make off with them. Do not give them a target.”

Investigating officers have appealed for anyone with information about the thefts to contact them at Newtownabbey Station on the non-emergency number 101.