Published July 11, 2016 at 16:06
Rossendale Borough Council and the Police are appealing for information after stone was pinched from Whitworth Memorial Gardens on Sunday 3rd of July 2016.
Around 45 stones were taken by thieves from the gardens and the Council is now having to look at replacing the costly stone.
Rossendale Council’s Head of Operations, Paul McHenry, said;
“This is a terrible crime, not only has it left the area looking a mess for the community it is also costly to replace such stone from the public purse.”
Theft of stone is a serious crime and this incident is being treated as such. It will cost around £2.3k to replace the stone and make the area look pleasant again.
The Council’s Operations team are working hard to restore the area as quickly as possible. From the moment the incident was discovered we placed barriers at the gardens to warn people of potential trip hazards that have now been left.
Cllr Christine Lamb, Portfolio Holder for Operations said;
“I hope anyone with information comes forward, this is a serious crime which affects us all when the Council has to pay for replacements. It is particularly appalling that the stone was stolen from a memorial garden.”
A Lancashire Police spokesman said:
“We are appealing for information following the theft of stone from Whitworth Memorial Gardens. Between 4pm on July 3 and 9am on July 4, more than 40 stones were stolen by thieves. This is a particularly shameful crime and we are keen to find those responsible. We would like to speak anyone who witnessed any suspicious behaviour around the time of the theft. If you saw or heard anything, please contact police immediately.”
Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting crime reference EF1606820.
Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.
