Woman’s heartbreak after brother’s grave vandalised for second time in Cullybackey

Cullybackey New Cemetery

A local woman has spoken of her upset and frustration after sentimental items were damaged and removed from her brother’s grave in Cullybackey, marking the second reported act of vandalism at the site in just over six months.

The incident happened at a grave in Cullybackey New Cemetery on Fenaghy Road and has prompted a police appeal for information.

According to the woman, the latest damage occurred within days of her placing a handmade tribute on the grave.

Second incident since December

Speaking at the end of last week, on Saturday, June 27, she said the grave had previously been targeted in December and described her anger at discovering further items had disappeared.

She explained that she had placed a personalised memorial jar on her brother’s grave on Monday, June 22.

The jar included several personal items, including a motorbike decoration, a personalised name sign and Coca-Cola bottles, all of which had been glued into place as part of the tribute.

However, within days she returned to find that the motorbike had been ripped from the stand and the personalised items removed.

Photographs of the damage at the site of the grave in Cullybackey

Describing her distress, she said:

“This is the second time my brother’s grave has been vandalised since December.

“I made this jar for my brother and put it on the grave on Monday past (22nd June). This has happened in the last 48 hours in Cullybackey New Cemetery.

“Some sad person for the second time has ripped the glued down motorbike off the stand and stole a personalised name sign and coke bottles (that were all glued) off this jar.

“Everything’s missing.”

Police investigate report of criminal damage

The PSNI confirmed they received a report on Saturday, June 27, that criminal damage had been caused to a grave in a cemetery on Fenaghy Road, Cullybackey.

Police said it was reported that an item had been broken and that a set of lights had previously been removed from the grave.

Officers are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the cemetery or who has information that could assist enquiries to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1731 of 27/06/26.

Reports can also be submitted online via the PSNI non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

A deeply personal loss

While the financial value of the stolen items may have been small, the emotional significance attached to personal tributes left at loved ones’ graves can be immeasurable for grieving families.

Police enquiries into the incident remain ongoing as officers seek to identify those responsible.