A cemetery has been targeted by vandals and thieves who have stolen or moved marble vases and flower pots from graves.

The incidents at Caister Cemetery have seen pots and holders being turned upside on graves or moved elsewhere, with one report of them being thrown in a bin.

There have also been reports to the site's owner Great Yarmouth Borough Council and also Norfolk police of marble vases and plant pots being stolen.

In a statement, Great Yarmouth Borough Council said: 'Since the start of July, there has been an increase in unknown vandals interfering with the flower pots/holders on some of the graves at Caister Cemetery.

'This includes pots/holders being turned upside down on graves, moved to other parts of the cemetery and, on one occasion, thrown in wheelie bins.

In addition, there has been two reports to the council of marble vases going missing.

'The council strongly condemns these cruel actions and would like to express its sincere sympathies to the families. 'The police are investigating and the council has requested increased patrols in the area.

'In addition, GYB Services Ltd, the council's operational partner, has grounds staff on-site during the day, who are remaining extra vigilant and reinstating displaced vases where they are found.

'While people visit this relatively busy cemetery throughout the day and are left in peace to tend to the graves of their own loved-ones, the cemetery gates are locked every night at 7.30pm as a security measure.'

A Norfolk police spokesman said: 'I can confirm we have the following incidents reported to us regarding Caister Cemetery.

'Between June 17 and July 17 two plant pots have been stolen from a grave, between July 8 and 16 decorative items have been stolen from a grave and between July 17 and 19 plant pots were stolen from a grave.'

Angela Barber saw the grave of her father, John Harvey, targeted and said she was 'devastated' by what happened.

Borough councillor for the village Penny Carpenter said: 'I cannot see why anyone would want to do such a thing.'

Anyone with information about the incidents at the cemetery or who might have spotted suspicious activity, is asked to contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.