Thieves apparently seeking human skulls for use in evil rituals, robbed at least two graves in the Commodore Cemetery in St Catherine over the weekend.

The robbers are reported to have dug up the vaults and made off with their contents, leaving authorities puzzled.

''I do not know what they were looking for. It is, however, suspected that persons involved in witchcraft have removed skulls for evil purposes,'' said Ferdinand Page, commercial services manager at the St Catherine Parish Council.

Page told THE STAR the theft was discovered on Sunday by a caretaker at the facility who was shocked when he found out the dead were being disturbed.

He said the council has completed its checks in the incident and a formal report will be made to the St Catherine North police.

When contacted, a senior police personnel from the St Catherine North division told THE STAR it is a criminal act for persons to dig up burial spots.

''They can be charged under the Public Health and Parish Council Act. Persons can be fined and even imprisoned," the officer said.

Meanwhile, Dr Raymoth Notice said the practice can cause serious problems for residents living close to the cemetery.