CCTV cameras installed at Wakefield cemetery after theft from graves reports

The cameras have been installed at Sugar Lane cemetery off Doncaster Road in Belle Vue.

Coun Nadeem Ahmed (Conservative/Wakefield South) said: For some time, residents had been reporting worrying incidents at the cemetery, including anti-social behaviour, drug use and thefts from graves.

"These incidents caused considerable upset to families visiting the graves of loved ones and raised understandable concerns about the security and dignity of the site.

"Despite these ongoing problems, there had been no effective, long-term solution in place.

"The idea of introducing CCTV was raised by a councillor as a practical way of tackling these problems, deterring anti-social behaviour and helping to protect the cemetery.

"I subsequently spearheaded efforts to take this proposal forward, working with the former South Ward councillor, Katrina Law, who supported the project.

"An application was made through the Council Grant Fund scheme, with the proposed camera locations agreed in consultation with the elected councillors at the time.

"I am particularly pleased that this work has now resulted in CCTV being installed and fully operational at the cemetery.

"This is an example of how listening to residents, working across ward boundaries and pursuing practical solutions can make a real difference.

"My thanks to everyone who supported the project and helped bring it to fruition. Most importantly, this is about respecting those laid to rest at Sugar Lane and giving their families greater peace of mind."

Campaigner Shabaan Saleem said: "This was particularly personal to me. I lost my dad at a young age, and he is buried at Sugar Lane Cemetery.

"I understand how important it is for people to be able to visit the resting places of loved ones, grieve and pay their respects in peace.

"Nobody visiting a loved one's grave should feel unsafe or have to worry about whether their loved one's resting place is being respected.

"I spoke with residents, local police officers and others to explore potential solutions and attended a site visit to consider CCTV provision.

"Initially, the proposal was to install just one camera. However, I challenged this because I did not believe one camera would provide sufficient coverage across the whole area. I made the case for two cameras, explaining why greater coverage was necessary. This was subsequently agreed, with funding secured before May 2026.

"I was pleased, alongside ward colleagues at the time, to push for this investment and help secure funding for something residents felt was important.

"I have always been realistic that CCTV will not solve every problem. However, that should never be an excuse for inaction. We have a responsibility to listen to residents, take their concerns seriously and use the resources available to us to make practical improvements."