Warning over increase in Leeds paving stone thefts

West Yorkshire Police has published a community alert warning of a rise in York stone paving thefts.

West Yorkshire Police has issued a warning about a rise in the theft of Yorkshire stone paving in Leeds.

In a community alert, it said its officers had seen an increase in paving theft within its ward areas and were working with "partner agencies" to address the problem.

The warning comes after paving slabs were stolen from a street in Roundhay earlier this week.

In March, a report by Historic England and the National Police Chiefs Council revealed thefts of historic stone and metal were on the rise across the country.

West Yorkshire Police said it continues to work with partners to tackle the problem.

The report suggested the theft of valuable heritage materials and cultural objects was likely to continue due to the cost-of-living crisis.

In one of the latest cases, residents of Park Crescent in Roundhay said paving was stolen from their street on Sunday.

One local resident called the crimes "annoying and dangerous". She told the BBC she had reported the theft to Alison Lowe, deputy mayor for police and crime in West Yorkshire.

She said: "To be honest, I wish the council would tarmac the lot and stop thieves from cashing in - unless they can mark them in a way to make them unsellable."

'Assault on our Yorkshire-ness'

Local residents Mary and Janet called the Roundhay Park thefts "atrocious"

During a walk around Roundhay Park, Mary and Janet - who live in the Cookridge area of Leeds - described the problem as "horrendous".

Janet said: "Yorkshire stone flag paving has been around for such a long time - obviously it's big money for people, but they don't have any right to take them."

"It's upsetting", Mary added, "but what can we do about it?"

Roundhay resident Beatrice Cusworth said people buying stone should take more responsibility.

"They're buying something that they know is wrong - for a patio," she said.

"They're very cheeky. They put a sign up saying they've come to mend the pavements, so nobody takes any notice of them - and there they are taking up the flags.

"They're thieving from our heritage. This is Yorkshire - it's an assault on our Yorkshire-ness," said Beatrice.

A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “We are aware of a number of reports of thefts of pavement slabs in various locations over the last few years.

“In response, we work with the police and local communities, encouraging any suspicious activity to be reported to the police at the earliest opportunity.

"We have also visited local suppliers across the city where these flags may be attempted to be sold.”

Last year, the council announced paving stones were being specially marked using a traceable liquid, to deter thieves.