In less than 48 hours, my daughter Avayah’s grave at Canley Crematorium was targeted twice by thieves.

Like any grieving family, we visit her grave to remember her, care for her resting place and leave gifts that represent our love. Those items are not valuable because of what they cost. They are valuable because of what they mean. 

For many families, these are the last gifts they will ever be able to give to someone they love.

After sharing what had happened, several bereaved families contacted me to share similar experiences at cemeteries across Coventry, including Canley Crematorium and Lentons Lane Cemetery. It became clear that this is not an isolated incident. No family should have to worry that the place where they go to remember a loved one could become the target of theft.

Graves should be places of peace, remembrance and respect. They should never be places where grieving families are left wondering whether flowers, ornaments, photographs or keepsakes will still be there when they return.

Through this petition, we are calling on Coventry City Council to carry out a comprehensive review of security across all council managed cemeteries and crematoria. We are asking the Council to introduce appropriate measures, including CCTV where suitable, to help deter theft and vandalism, support police investigations and better protect the resting places of those who have passed away.

This is not just about replacing stolen items. It is about protecting the dignity of our loved ones and giving families the confidence that they can visit a grave without the fear of it being disturbed or targeted.

If you believe every person deserves to rest in peace and every family deserves to visit a loved one’s grave without the fear of theft or vandalism, please sign this petition and help us bring about meaningful change across Coventry.