Log placed over grave to prevent body snatch

As the Government considers law changes to deal with the problem of body snatching, it has emerged that the theft of another corpse was prevented only by a heavy tree limb being positioned over the grave.

Invercargill City Council parks manager Robin Pagan said that a burial at the city's Eastern Cemetery almost went wrong in October last year.

Police had warned the cemetery that "there could be some problems" with the interment after it was understood whanau of the deceased wanted to claim the body for burial in the North Island.

Mr Pagan told The Southland Times he discussed the matter with the family and a decision was made to place an object over the grave to deter any possible theft.

"A small limb of a tree that you couldn't physically move was placed over the grave with a digger - the family placed flowers on it," he said.

The branch was removed three days later after an agreement was reached between family members, he said.

The potential theft is one of a string of body snatching cases that has forced the Government to review New Zealand burial laws.

Chief coroner Wallace Bain has proposed that if families cannot agree where loved ones should be buried then the coroner would make the decision.

The idea would give coroners exclusive jurisdiction and rights to the custody of bodies in all deaths -- not just those referred to a coroner.

The Justice Ministry will review the laws and advise Justice Minister Annette King if any changes are necessary.

- NZPA