A girl was left shocked after waking as much as discover "half her pathway missing" after warning others concerning the new tactic utilized by thieves.

Opportunistic prison gangs are on the hunt for York Stone and are digging up driveways and promoting them on.

A forty five-year-old lady, who most popular to not be named, from Whitefield, Greater Manchester, stated she was shocked to search out the paving lacking, and wrote on Facebook: "Looks like you can't even own a path in Whitefield anymore."

The lady shared photos exhibiting gaps the place 5 or 6 flagstones was.

Thieves usually steal from non-public pathways whereas church grounds are additionally sometimes focused for the dear York stone, with an instance being St Mary's Church in Prestwich two years in the past.

The sufferer of the newest assault stated she needs to talk out to boost consciousness claiming that thieves have been "doing the rounds" and different thefts of flagstones had been reported.

"On the same night I looked on Facebook groups and there were other people saying that they had been done," the mum-of-two advised the Manchester Evening News. "These people are clearly doing the rounds so I just want people to be aware, really."

She stated the flagstones stolen had been down for round 70 to 80 years, and revealed she has been advised the stones can fetch a value of round £160 per sq. metre. "I just want people to know it's going on," she added. "And if there is an ounce of conscience with the people who have done this.

"I awakened on Monday morning to search out it had occurred. Half the pathway was lacking. I posted it on Facebook and that's when different folks got here ahead to say they'd been focused as properly. According to 1 native Facebook group, there have been a number of thefts in a single day inside shut proximity to one another. At least 4 that I do know of, with many extra over the previous couple of weeks on this space.

"From me, I reckon they took five or six flags. They have definitely had a van and it is not a one-man job. Apparently, people say that they are very quick and just take one or two stones and then go somewhere else to steal, so they are never in the same place for too long. They have obviously taken a lot from a lot of different properties.

"I've contacted native sellers for a quote to switch them and even they've stated 'do not trouble, they're going to solely come again'.

"I'm furious. It is just so annoying and frustrating. You cannot have anything these days - not even a path. It is clearly all well organised and I believe they can fetch up to £160 per square metre, but someone is buying them from those who have taken them."

Police forces throughout the nation, particularly in rural areas, have beforehand issued warnings over thefts, describing York stone as extremely fascinating and priceless.