Stone me! Men have taken our pavement
RESIDENTS’ DISBELIEF AFTER FLAGSTONES DISAPPEAR FROM ALLEY IN BROAD DAYLIGHT
THREE men were captured on security camera removing paving stones from a pathway with a crowbar then lifting them into a van and driving off.
The trio were spotted in the Didsbury area in a white vehicle on Wednesday, April 19.
CCTV footage shows the men pulling up in front of a ginnel connecting Grove Lane to South Road, at around 1.30pm.
One can be seen glancing into the homeowner’s back garden.
They then comb the area for loose paving stones, until one eventually manages to yank a paving slab up with the crowbar.
Within 10 minutes the men successfully wrench away a number of the surrounding stones and load them into the van.
The security footage captures them leaving the scene in a white van, after reversing into a lamp post in front of a house.
The paving slabs are made of York stone and are estimated to cost between £40 and £50 per square metre.
Police have launched an investigation after reports of theft.
Homeowner Stuart Ellison, 47, told the M.E.N. he was left reeling when he watched the CCTV footage, captured from his back garden.
He said: “A neighbour knocked on the door to alert me what had happened. At first I thought it was a windup.
“I checked the CCTV. I just couldn’t believe they had done it and in broad daylight so openly.
“I was just shocked. It was like Monty Python. I couldn’t believe what was happening.”
Stuart added: “The fools have no idea there is CCTV on the property and the cameras clearly show their faces and registration of the van they were driving.”
Greater Manchester Police are reviewing the CCTV footage and are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with further information to come forward.
A GMP spokesman said: “It was reported to us on April 19 at 5.20pm. It happened around 1.30pm on the same day.
“Unknown offenders, three people, have arrived in a white transit van, parked up and stolen some paving stone slabs.”
Anyone with further information can call police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.