DISTRAUGHT mum Rachel Thomas-Rees is appealing to callous thieves to return precious items stolen from her daughter’s grave.

Erin Rees was only eight years old when she died in 2008 after a three-year battle with cancer.

She was buried in the children’s section of Swanlow Park Cemetery in Winsford, and her mother visits the youngster’s grave regularly.

However, those visits have been wrecked by thieves who have targeted the grave three times.

“There are still personal items on Erin’s grave, and every time I go there now I am terrified in case something else has gone missing,” said Rachel.

“I just want these people to put Erin’s things back and to leave her alone – I am very distressed by what has happened.”

Erin, a former pupil of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Winsford, died on May 15, 2008, and the first theft happened on the date marking the sixth anniversary of her death.

One of two figurines which were stolen was replaced by a friend of the family, but the replacement was itself snatched this month, along with small figurines bought by Erin’s brother Ethan, 10, and her friends.

The thieves struck for a third time last week, stealing a memory prayer coin and a figurine of Jesus.

“On the first occasion I was heartbroken because it was the anniversary of Erin’s death, and I could not understand why anyone would steal the figurines,” said Rachel, a teaching assistant at St Joseph’s School.

“The second time I began to think, why is it just us who are having items taken, and now, after the third theft, I am starting to think it’s personal and somebody does not like us.”

Rachel thanked everyone who has left messages of support and best wishes on Facebook.

The first theft was of Willow figurines of a mother and daughter, and brother and sister. The replacement was stolen between July 19 and 22, along with four small, silver figures of fairies.

PC Danielle Knox is appealing for anyone who may have information about the incidents to come forward.

“These crimes have greatly affected the family involved, and any information would be much appreciated,” she said.

Call 101, quoting incident number 1015 of 22/7/2014 in relation to the second theft, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.