Extra patrols in Hanging Heaton and Bywell after thefts

Coping stones have been stolen from the garden walls of at least four homes in Dewbury East during the past two months.

Streets targeted include Selso Road and Bendigo Road in Bywell and Thirlmere Road in Hanging Heaton.

Coun Paul Kane (Lab, Dews East) said he raised the issue with police after the two latest thefts.

“This has been going on for about two years. It’s not acceptable,” he said.

“The stones are very expensive to replace, which is the reason they’ve stolen them.”

Coun Kane said the issue was similar to that of metal thefts.

“We want to catch these people,” he added.

“I want police to visit people who buy and sell stones, and an increase in patrols.”

Last week, officers were speaking to residents in the Thirlmere Road area.

Officers are carrying out high visibility patrols and have already visited local stone merchants.

Phone Sgt Steve Forrest via 101.