Woman wakes up to find 'half pathway missing' as thieves steal valuable pavings
A woman has told how she woke up find "half her pathway missing" in yet another case of thieves stealing a highly sought after paving stone.
Many people are unaware of the crime spree surrounding York stone until it happens to them with opportunistic criminal gangs digging up driveways and then selling them on.
And a 45-year-old woman, who preferred not to be named, from Whitefield, Greater Manchester, said she was stunned to find the paving missing, and wrote on Facebook: "Looks like you can't even own a path in Whitefield anymore."
Many similar thefts have been reported to police, with the woman showing images of the gaps where five or six flagstones used to lie. Thieves often steal from private pathways while church grounds are also typically targeted for the valuable York stone, with an example being St Mary's Church in Prestwich two years ago.
The victim of the latest attack said she wants to speak out to raise awareness claiming that thieves were "doing the rounds" and other thefts of flagstones had been reported.
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A pathway dug up at St Mary's Church, Prestwich (UGC/MEN)"On the same night I looked on Facebook groups and there were other people saying that they had been done," the mum-of-two told the Manchester Evening News. "These people are clearly doing the rounds so I just want people to be aware, really."
She said the flagstones stolen had been down for around 70 to 80 years, and revealed she has been told the stones can fetch a price of around £160 per square metre. "I just want people to know it's going on," she added. "And if there is an ounce of conscience with the people who have done this.
"I woke up on Monday morning to find it had happened. Half the pathway was missing. I posted it on Facebook and that is when other people came forward to say they had been targeted as well. According to one local Facebook group, there were several thefts overnight within close proximity to each other. At least four that I know of, with many more over the last few weeks in this area.
"From me, I reckon they took five or six flags. They have definitely had a van and it is not a one man job. Apparently, people say that they are very quick and just take one or two stones then go somewhere else to steal, so they are never in the same place for too long. They have obviously taken a lot from a lot of different properties. I have contacted local sellers for a quote to replace them and even they have said 'don't bother, they'll only come back'.
"I'm furious. It is just so annoying and frustrating. You cannot have anything these days - not even a path. It is clearly all well organised and I believe they can fetch up to £160 per square metres, but someone is buying them from those who have taken them."
Police forces across the country, especially in rural areas, have previously issued warnings over thefts, describing York stone as highly desirable and valuable.
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