A DISTRAUGHT mother has hit back at a thief who callously looted the grave of her two-year-old son.

Faye Curtis, 20, of Lena Crescent, Edmonton, was shocked to learn that the grave of Reece Piper, who died from meningitis last March, had been desecrated at Enfield Crematorium.

Ornamental teddy bears were stolen along with two wind chimes and other monuments. A rose bush was destroyed and part of the headstone was cracked.

The stolen goods were discovered last Monday after a woman who lives in Magpie Close, Enfield was offered the ornaments for £17. She contacted police when she became suspicious.

Police are now hunting a 28-year-old man in connection with the theft along with countless others. He is believed to be from the Enfield area.

Ms Curtis, who is also mother to a three-month-old boy, said: " It is a relief to get the ornaments back but half are broken and I can't put them back.

"Visiting Reece's grave is the only way I can remember my son. I go there most days but now I am frightened to put anything by his grave incase this happens again. I am heartbroken."

Enfield Crematorium is becoming a popular hunting ground for thieves who callously loot graves of residents' loved ones.

Similar incidents have also taken place at Lavender Hill cemetery and the council are facing an ongoing vandalism problem at Hertford Road Cemetery and the Edmonton Jewish cemetery.

PC Grant Nicholls said: "Police are pleased to confirm that a suspect has been identified and enquiries are being made to arrest this man. We hope that this goes some way to reassuring the relatives of these crimes."

A council spokesperson said: "We are appalled by this disgusting piece of vandalism. This type of thing really is the lowest type of human behaviour.

"Our hearts go out to the family. We hope the perpetrator is caught as soon as possible."

July 10, 2002 17:00