Thousands of pounds worth of memorials have been ripped from a crematorium and stolen.

Several small boulders with inscribed bronze plaques and 17 bird baths worth a total of £19,000 were taken.

Disgusted staff discovered iron gates leading to the children's garden, a stone memorial seat and vases were also pinched in the thieving spree.

Chichester Crematorium is being forced to install security cameras, put up a front gate and employ discreet foot patrols at the gardens used by the bereaved as a place of quiet contemplation.

Manager Nigel Emberson said: "I couldn't believe thieves would stoop to that level.

"They have no respect for the dead.

"Those memorials were so precious to the family and friends of people who have passed away.

"For them to be stolen, distresses and hurts them very much."

Spokeswoman Lesley Ferguson described the actions as "a despicable crime".

She said: "The bird baths and boulders are what people remember their loved one by. They think about what is written on the inscriptions or whether to put ashes under them.

"But we want to reassure people that if they have lost a memorial, we will replace it."

She said the crematorium regretted having to install security cameras but had no choice.

She said: "It is a terrible shame because it is a place for people to think about their loved ones.

"We don't want to change that.

"The patrols and cameras will be discreet.

"We must take steps to stop these thieves."

The gardens, on Westhampnett Road, are currently open at all times to cars but new front gates will be locked at night. Visitors will still be able to enter on foot at any time.

The thieves are believed to have driven in and piled the memorials and vases into a car or van.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "We are aware of the reported offences and take them very seriously.

"We will take the necessary steps to investigate this matter."