Police are also stepping up patrols at Morriston Cemetery

The city council is believed to be the first in Wales to take such a step after incidents at Morriston Cemetery.

It said security was needed to ensure funerals were not postponed and prevent upset to families visiting graves.

Windows in the cemetery office had been smashed, the crematorium building vandalised and groups of youngsters had been drinking in the grounds at night.

We are appalled that people could treat such a place in that way Noel Evans

Swansea's registrar for cemeteries and crematorium Noel Evans called it "extremely sad".

"But it is a measure that we feel is necessary because we want to ensure that services for funerals can go ahead as planned and do not want any distress for families," he said.

"Over recent weeks there has been a spate of vandalism out of hours and it culminated last week in physical damage to the crematorium building," he said.

"We are appalled that people could treat such a place in that way.

'Behave differently'

"It's disappointing for us that this has re-occurred but we are working with the security firms and community police as well."

South Wales Police said it was also stepping patrols in the grounds - a move which stopped a similar problem last summer.

People with relatives buried there are hoping additional security would be a success.

"I think it's absolutely disgusting really and they (those responsible for the vandalism) should have more respect," said one widow, whose husband was buried there.

"I'm sad for them because they have not got anything better to do," said another.