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06 Sept 2025

Birds top suspects amid anger and confusion over missing grave stones in Greysteel

Black stones taken from a grave in the Star of the Sea Chapel graveyard have locals sharing 'who dunnit' theories

Birds top suspects amid anger and confusion over missing grave stones in Greysteel

A man has appealed for information from the public in a Facebook post after black decorative stones on his family's grave in Greysteel were taken earlier this week.

Locals have shared theories as to who the culprits could have been with many speculating that it was most likely birds, crows being the prime suspects as this is not the first time stones have disappeared from graves. Stones were said to have been taken off of graves in Dungiven and St Mary's graveyard in Lavey.

One person said: "it’s birds that lift them u get a dark net to put over them to keep the birds from lifting them."

READ MORE: Man returned for trial to Derry Crown Court on drug charges

Another commented: "the Henry grave had all of the black stones taken off by the crows it's only the black shiny stones they take for building their nest to entice the females in. I was going mad as well when it happened."

Others responded to the idea that person committed the theft of the stones and pointed out that granite stones would be too heavy for birds to lift.

One person said: "It's a bloody disgrace. If it's the birds we'll they should be on telly ,couldn't believe wat a state it was left pity you can't do ur family grave without it being wrecked, and I honestly do not believe it was birds, if its birds why isn't there a sign up"

Another said: "That’s disgusting that someone has done that! Absolutely bottom feeders. There is no way crows have done that. They’d pick around the ornaments if so and as you say they can’t move granite."

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