FAMILIES left devastated by a series of thefts and vandal attacks at a cemetery are to have their loved-ones' graves protected by police patrols.

A number of graves at Blackburn's Pleasington Cemetery -- including three belonging to children -- have been targeted since Christmas.

Sergeant Rachel Hanley of Blackburn Police said today that six crimes of theft or vandalism had been investigated in the past two months alone.

Now police and Blackburn with Darwen Council, which owns the cemetery, have reviewed security and have even discuss the possibility of installing CCTV.

The Pleasington beat bobbies have now included the cemetery in their daily patrols and the move has been welcomed.

The incidents come during a general rise in graveyard crime.

Last year two memorial benches were taken from Darwen Cemetery and recently graves in Colne were desecrated as thugs went on a rampage, kicking over headstones.

PS Hanley said: "There have been reports of teddy bears taken and items overturned and smashed.

"Crime prevention officers have visited the owners of the cemetery and offered advice on how to stop these crimes.

"Officers have recently taken possession of the key to the cemetery gates."

Frank Thomas, 50 , of Marlton Road, Blackburn, discovered his mother's grave had been robbed at the weekend, a week before the first anniversary of her death.

Rosary beads, bought by his son, were taken from the grave of Margaret Ward, who died from cancer on May 18 2001, aged 69. Frank said that vandals also smashed statues.

Mrs Ward died on 18 May 2001 from cancer, aged 69.

Mr Thomas said: "You read all the time about things going from graves and stuff being smashed at cemeteries, and it is very distressing.

"It's good to know the police are finally acting but patrols should have been up there a long time ago."

Keira McGeough, whose 18-month-old son Jake is buried at Pleasington, was also hit by thieves.

Just after Christmas teddy-bears were taken from the toddler's resting place.

Keira, of Leicester Road, said: "It's good that the police are there, and hopefully it will stop thefts."

Peter Hunt, director of direct services, at Blackburn with Darwen Council, welcomed the move to work closely with the police but defended the previous measures.

He said: "We have every sympathy with all those who suffer from this crime.

"The council employs security guards who patrol Pleasington Cemetery, but it is not possible to monitor every individual who comes in."