Heartbroken relatives have spoken out after a thief prised memorial plaques from park benches.

Yesterday we reported how almost 30 of the tributes had been stolen from Riverside Country Park in Gillingham.

Since then it has been revealed that nearby Hillyfields Community Park has also been targeted.

Speaking this morning, relatives affected by the Riverside thefts say they've been left disgusted at the acts.

Gillingham resident Teresa Bradley questioned the humanity of the those responsible.

Her dad, former Chatham Dockyard shipwright James Smith, lovingly maintained a bench in memory of his late mother and partner.

The grandfather-of-five died on Boxing Day 2018 and Mrs Bradley was planning to add a plaque with his details.

She said: "I just don't understand how anyone can do such a thing. Where is their humanity, surely they'll know how much upset this will cause?

"What makes them want to deface such personal property as this?"

Mr Smith, who died of cancer aged 72, would regularly visit the park and made sure to weatherproof the bench each year.

His daughter added: "He was very fastidious about it, it really did mean so much to him."

Now the family is deciding on whether to add a new plaque - but one made of plastic so metal thieves won't take it.

Another affected loved one discovered the theft on the 17th anniversary of his wife's death.

Former Medway councillor Tony Luckhurst said: "My family and I were upset to see that heartless vandals have removed plaques from several memorial benches, including the plaque on my wife’s bench.

"Her bench was paid for by the Medway Breathe Easy branch (BLF) in 2013. She was the founder member of this group 25 years ago.

"We discovered this last week when visiting the bench opposite the footpath to Horrid Hill, on the 17th anniversary of her death."

Medway Council is investigating the Hillyfields thefts.

Meanwhile, police have confirmed officers are investigating and anyone with information should call the appeal line on 01634 792209, quoting crime reference 46/184917/20 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or using the online form.

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