Police investigating after gravestones in Wigan were vandalised

At around 9.48am on Monday 28 August 2023, police were called to a report of criminal damage to several headstones in Gidlow Cemetery, Standish. 

The graffiti has since been removed from the headstones. 

No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.

Inspector Sam Davies, of GMP's Wigan division, said: "This behaviour is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated by both the police and our local communities.

"Whilst this type of crime is thankfully rare, it has understandably caused a great deal of distress to not only the families but local residents.

"Our policing teams have increased patrols in the area and we will work with those responsible for the cemetery to offer advice about crime prevention measures.

“I would like to urge anyone who may have information regarding the damage being caused, or has witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the area, to make contact with us immediately so we can follow these line of enquiry.

"Residents or businesses with private CCTV are also asked to check for anything that may be of relevance and make contact with us.”

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101, quoting incident number 0898 of 28/8/2023. Information can also be shared with the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.