Residents left ‘terrified’ after paving stone theft

The three men used a wheeled-bin and a wheelbarrow to collect the stones, before stealing them.

The theft took place between 10.30pm and 11.30pm on Wednesday, December 10 in Heckmondwike Road, near the junction with Pump Lane.

John Speight, 68, who lives close to where the stones were stolen from, said he was “terrified” when he saw the thieves approach the road whilst he was in his garden.

He said: “I heard them coming and it was terrifying, they had a dust-bin and a wheelbarrow and just started taking the stones that lead on to our houses.

“I’ve lived here for 38 years and I’ve never seen anything like this before, it’s cowardly.”

He said he was concerned about disabled residents who live in houses nearby.

“I know that disabled people live on this road and they must be terrified because it’s absolutely ridiculous.” he said.

“The stones are gone now and it’s just exposed brick.

“I know a man who has cystic fibrosis and uses a frame to walk, how will he get up and down there now?”

Insp Jenny Thompson, of Dewsbury Neighbourhood Policing team, said: “I would appeal to anyone who has been offered paving slabs for sale, in a deal that sounds too good to be true, to come forward.

“The theft of these slabs has inconvenienced a large number of people living on the road, especially people who have mobility issues.”

Witnesses should contact police on 101.