A petition has been launched to protect graves at High Wycombe Cemetery after the Bucks Free Press revealed one family’s heartbreak at their child’s gravestone being vandalised.

The petition is calling for Wycombe District Council to install CCTV to protect graves and prevent alleged anti-social behaviour within the cemetery.

Georgina Parker-Rigg, who created the petition, said it was a “disgrace” that security should be needed.

She talked about her friend’s eight-year-old daughter’s grave, which was “left bare” after thieves stole all the decorations around it.

She said: “This has happened to lots of people whose loved ones are buried here.

“It's a disgrace that security is needed here but somebody clearly has no idea how to be respectful.

“People should be able to visit their passed loved ones and bring gifts to decorate their place as they wish without the heartbreak of their sacred place being destroyed by heartless people.”

Ann, who signed the petition, wrote: “This an awful crime – desecrating a grave is heinous especially a child's resting place.”

Another signatory, Michaela, said: “My little one is buried there.

“My items including the little fence and a couple of toys were stolen last year.

“I called the cemetery about it and I was basically told there was nothing they could do.

“So what was left I removed and now have at my house.

“My little ones grave is practically bare because if put anything back there I'm afraid it will get stolen too.”

The petition has so far had 792 signatures.

A devastated family spoke out about their heartbreak after their son Mckenzie Reece North’s gravestone was vandalised in the cemetery’s Snowdrop Gardens earlier this year, with the marble part removed and discarded a few feet from the concrete base.

Mum Bernadette North, 39, from High Wycombe, called it “awful” and police confirmed it was not the first time it had happened.

While the gravestone has been repaired, Mrs North was worried it would keep happening unless security is ramped up, and said husband David found it “unbelievable” that someone could vandalise a child’s grave.

At the time, a Wycombe District Council spokesman said: “We appreciate how distressing it is for friends and family when a grave of a loved one is damaged or vandalised. The gravestone has since been repaired.

“The Snowdrop Garden and the cemetery grounds are surrounded by walls and fencing, and the gates are locked every night.

“We work closely with Thames Valley Police and constantly review site security as a matter of course.

“Our contractors regularly empty bins and remove rubbish from the cemetery grounds.

“We would encourage residents to report any issues relating to noise, litter or anti-social behaviour to the council.

“If anyone witnesses any criminal damage taking place they should call the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.”

To sign the petition, go to https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/protect-graves-at-wycombe-cemetery.