Police are investigating EIGHT more paving stone thefts after a woman’s garden path was ripped up and stolen for its expensive York flags.
A spate of heavy-duty machinery thefts has also been reported in Bury.
Builders and construction workers have been warned by police to remain vigilant as a result.
The M.E.N. told how grieving Joanne Aston arrived home in Prestwich from her mother’s funeral to find thieves had ripped up flagstones making up her entire garden path.
Joanne, 52, believes she may have been targeted by crooks who scanned newspaper obituary notices to work out when she wouldn’t be at home.
Police say eight other thefts of paving stones in the south of the town have been reported.
In one case, paving stones were ripped up and taken from Stand United Reform Church in Radcliffe. Other locations of thefts haven’t been revealed.
Police say offenders appear to be targeting building supplies.
Two separate burglaries were also reported on Friday, with expensive tools and machinery including wacker plates being stolen.
Three wacker plates - used to compress down concrete, rubble and other aggregate - were taken from a builders’ merchant business on Bury and Bolton Road in Radcliffe, with two others taken from a construction site in Radcliffe. Cement mixers and angle grinder are among other equipment taken.
Police reported the thefts on Twitter.
GMP Radcliffe tweeted: “Eight reports of paving stones stolen in Bury South over the past week and now two burglaries where cement mixers, angle grinders etc stolen as well as wacker plates.
“Offenders appear to be targeting building supplies. Paving stones reported stolen over the past week and now reports of wacker plates.”
A spokesman added: “People should always keep their equipment safe and secure.”
Joanne’s front path was dug up at her home on Simister Lane. The flagstones taken are believed to be worth around £250.
York paving stones can be sold online for as much as £65 per square metre.
Anyone with information is can call police on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
