The site has many listed buildings and centuries-old graves

Warning signs have also been put up at the site, which has several Grade 2 listed Victorian buildings and more than 50,000 graves dating back to 1839.

Many have had graffiti daubed on them and trees, protected by preservation orders, have had branches torn off.

Trust Manager Richard Smith said he was "frustrated and saddened" by the disrespect shown by the offenders.

"Many local families have loved ones buried in the cemetery but, despite the sacred nature of this site, have had to deal not only with the initial loss of them, but also damage and theft from their graves," he said.

Police said a full survey of the site had been carried out to help identify the best security measure for the cemetery trust to take.

Beat manager, Pc Colin Higgins said: "Anyone who is found committing crime in or around the cemetery will be dealt with positively and we will be sending letters to the parents of young people found gathering in the area."