GRIEVING parents have joined forces to stop thieves stealing soft toys, flowers and precious mementoes from their children's graves.

Police have said the thieves, who sell the items door-to-door after stealing them from Eston Cemetery, near Middlesbrough, are despicable.

The bereaved families joined forces after a 20-year-old mother left a letter by her baby's graveside, begging the thieves to stop taking teddy bears and other soft toys which once belonged to her child.

Now another parent, Caroline Millward, whose 18-year-old son, Mark, died in a car accident five years ago, is mobilising the community to fight the thieves.

She said that her son's grave had been targeted, and a large number of bouquets and small presents left on graves had been taken regularly for more than a year.

Some families have held overnight vigils to try to catch the culprits. Now, about 1,000 people have signed a petition demanding Redcar and East Cleveland Borough Council install security cameras.

Mrs Millward said: "It isn't even as if these people are kids. We are sure they are adults doing this simply to make money. The problem is much bigger than we first thought and we get more stories from more families all the time.

"Many of us can't sleep at nights as it is. The thought of these people stealing from the graves of our loved ones just makes it worse."

Police said plots in the newer, Church Lane end of the cemetery were being targeted. Extra patrols have been set up and they are working with community wardens to tackle the problem.

PC Simon Whitlock said: "News of these thefts is very upsetting and we are appalled at the callous nature of the thieves. Their uncaring behaviour is quite despicable and we will do whatever it takes to stop this happening."