A GRIEVING family are calling for CCTV to be introduced at a Blackburn cemetery following a spate of thefts from their teenage son's grave.

Soldier Brett Lee Thomas, a former Darwen Vale High School pupil, took his own life on July 7.

The teenager, who served with the Surrey-based Royal Logistics Core, was buried in Pleasington Cemetery.

But his "heartbroken" parents, Susan and Frank Thomas, of Southworth Street, Blackburn say their son has not been allowed to rest in peace because of the continuous thefts of personal tributes left at his graveside.

Within weeks of his burial vandals ransacked and dug up part of his plot and and a badge of Brett's beloved Blackburn Rovers has been stolen.

The thieves struck again on Mother's Day taking cans of beer left when his family shared a graveside drink in Brett's honour.

And a ceramic owl from his mum bearing the words "I love you" was taken earlier this week.

The family are now calling on the council to install camera surveillance to deter the thieves and allow them to grieve in dignity.

A furious Frank Thomas said: "The people who are doing this are sick, this supposed to be a place of rest - my wife is heartbroken.

"He has only been dead eight months and we are obviously still grieving. He was buried on July 13 but exactly a month later, my wife's birthday, his grave was ransacked with parts of it dug up.

"Ever since very personal things we have left, ranging from cans of beer to a Rovers badge, have been stolen.

"We would like the council to erect closed circuit cameras."

The Thomas' case is not unique. In the last few years vandals have smashed ornaments on the plot and have stolen personal items including teddy bears.

But Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive member for regeneration, Coun Andy Kay said he was sorry at the Thomas' plight but ruled out their call for CCTV.

"We employ a security company to lock the gates and they patrol the cemetery before doing so.

"However, they cannot be expected to spot every incident of this type.

"Full-time security would be too expensive and these acts, shameful as they are, are very few in number."