PENSIONER Reg Baylis has become the latest victim of thieves who are targeting a Hampshire cemetery.

Precious keepsakes have been stolen from the grave of his wife Eileen, who died last year just two weeks after she was diagnosed with cancer.

Mr Baylis, 70, of Holbury Drove, Holbury, has been left devastated by the "sickening" thefts from Blackfield cemetery.

He said: "Eileen always liked this place because it was so peaceful, but two little lamps and two St Christopher's have been stolen from her grave.

"Other people have lost lamps, flowers and even a little train set. I think its teenagers who have no thought for others and go there looking for things to take. It's a terrible thing to do."

Mr Baylis said he decided to speak out after talking to other bereaved relatives who had also fallen victim to the thieves.

"I just want everyone to know what sort of people are about," he said.

Last month a grieving Hampshire teenager revealed that ornaments had been stolen from her baby's grave at the cemetery.

Gemma Murphy, 18, lost her daughter Kyra last November after her waters broke five months prematurely and doctors had to terminate the pregnancy.

Precious love tokens have been stolen from the grave on at least three separate occasions since Kyra was buried two weeks before Christmas.

Gemma, of Hythe, said two ceramic angels were among the items that had taken from the plot - one of the smallest in the cemetery.

She added: "The theft of the first angel really upset me because it was the first thing we had put on the grave."

The cemetery is owned by New Forest District Council.

A council spokesman said: "We have asked our grounds maintenance staff to keep an eye out and tell us about any suspicious activity."