John Ware Features on BBC Television

John Ware, Managing Director’s Assistant, was quoted across the BBC’s local television and radio programmes in Devon and Cornwall yesterday, responding to statistics the BBC uncovered regarding the number of crimes reported across cemeteries and graveyards in the area.

Representing the National Association of Funeral Directors, John said:

“Graveyards and cemeteries should be respectful places where bereaved people can find privacy and stillness in which to mourn, and where people who have died can find a peaceful, final resting place.

It is distressing to hear of any crimes being reported in graveyards and cemeteries, particularly the ones of a more serious nature, as grieving families also deserve to know that they are in a safe place while they mourn and that the graves of their loved ones will be respected.

Funeral directors often the first people that bereaved families turn to if anything is wrong at the grave and we are acutely aware of the impact this can have on them at an already difficult time. We would urge cemetery and graveyard owners to step up their supervision in order to protect the needs of bereaved people and those they have lost.”

John’s interview on BBC Radio Cornwall is available on BBC iPlayer, starting at 1 hr 5 mins into the programme.