Stone thieves take part of school wall
PARENTS, pupils and staff are on the hunt for thieves after returning from the Easter holidays to find part of their wall stolen.
During the two-week break at Didsbury Road Primary, in Heaton Mersey, around 50 Yorkshire stones fixed to the top of the front wall were removed.
The theft took place overnight between April 5 and 6 and was discovered by the school’s business manager the following morning.
Now the school’s ‘community’ is keeping an eye on internet auction sites such as eBay to see if the expensive stones are being sold and by who.
Headteacher Lee Hardy said: “We have a closeknit community and people have been looking on the internet to see if the stones are on there.
“We want the wider community to be aware and if anyone has information I’d ask them to get in touch with us or the police.
“They were part of the original features of the school and have been there decades. I am saddened by this and so are the children.
“It is a health and safety risk now as a lot of the children liked to walk along the wall.”
Staff immediately reported the theft, which happened between 6pm and 7am, to the police who are now investigating.
But the school will be left out of pocket as the terms of its insurance policy means the perimeter and walls are not covered.
The stones are described as dark grey but weathered with algae on them. They are still considered valuable though.
Mr Hardy added: “Whoever did it must have come with some sort of implement.
“All bar three have been taken and none of them were loose so they must have taken some prising off. People who know about these things tell me they are valuable.
“We are looking to replace them now in the most affordable manner possible as we cannot do it on the insurance.”
A police spokesman confirmed the theft had been reported and that officers were investigating.
So far no arrests have been made and witnesses are urged to come forward.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.