FRANKLIN
A theft was reported at Poplar Spring Cemetery in Franklin on Friday.

That morning Wanda Story was visiting the grave of her mother, Carolyn Bradshaw, when she noticed that a decorative stone bench she had placed at the gravesite was missing.

“My nerves are just shot. I’m very upset,” said Story.

The bench, a sculpture from Concrete Creations in Virginia Beach, features a small statue of a little boy sitting atop the bench. Story bought it in memory of her mother’s love for her grandchildren.

Story immediately called the police and filed a report.

“I can’t imagine why someone would do something like that,” said Capt. Tim Whitt, spokesman for the Franklin Police Department.

In cases such as this, the Franklin Police Department contacts other police departments in adjacent areas to determine if any similar thefts have been reported. No such similar cases have been reported.

“In these instances, our greatest asset is the community,” said Whitt. “Keeping an eye out of the stolen property and reporting it will help us to find it and return it.”

Anyone with knowledge about this crime is encouraged to call Franklin Crime Solvers at 562-8599.