Seven Urban Services Department staff have been charged with stealing from coffins at Cape Collinson Crematorium covering a period of 23 years.

The group, due to appear at Eastern Court this morning, face a total of 23 charges allegedly committed between August 1, 1976, and October 26 last year. Bribes in the form of jeans, a tie and a lady's watch were allegedly offered to senior staff to turn a blind eye. The stolen property allegedly included shoes, a metal clasp, Chinese musical instruments, rings, necklaces, watches and gold ornaments.