Widow has handbag stolen at cemetery

From the archive, first published Saturday 12th Jun 2004.

A disabled pensioner had her handbag stolen while she was visiting her husband's grave at a cemetery in Rose Hill.

Widower Audrey Dawson, 76, was at Rose Hill cemetery, in Church Cowley Road, tending to her husband Ronald's grave when she noticed her bag was missing.

Mrs Dawson, who uses a disability scooter, said she reached for her handbag to get some scissors to trim her flowers when she realised it was gone.

The incident happened between 1pm and 2pm on Tuesday.

Mrs Dawson, of Brocklesby Road, Oxford, said: "I panicked when I realised it was gone. I never saw anybody around."

She retraced her steps but could not find her bag. Workmen and a gardener at the cemetery, which is run by Oxford City council, also searched the grounds but found nothing.

She reported the incident to the police, who searched the cemetery.

Mrs Dawson, who regularly visits her husband's grave after he died last year, said she felt like her life was "out of control" since her bag was taken. She added: "I don't know if I am coming or going. I am really upset about it.

"My bag had everything in it, including my pension book. What am I supposed to do about money?"

Her bag also contained a purse, a mobile telephone, a bus pass, keys, medication, books and personal items.

Hugh Dawson, manager for city council-run cemeteries in Botley, Headington, Rose Hill and Wolvercote, said: "This doesn't happen that often at Rose Hill. I have contacted the crime prevention officer and he is coming to see me on Monday with some notices."

Signs warning people to be vigilant with their belongings, already in place at Wolvercote Cemetery, will now be installed at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Oxford police spokesman Lucy Ferguson said: "This is a very sad incident and we would appeal for anyone in the area at the time of the incident to get in touch. We are looking for a black man who was in the cemetery at about the same time who may know something about the theft."

If you can help, contact police on 08458 505505.

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