Thieves steal granite stones from Colsterworth grave

Police say they believe the stones were probably stolen in the last five weeks, although it is possible they were taken in the past week because there is disturbed vegetation near the grave.

Six granite edging stones and four corner stones were forcibly removed from a concrete base from the grave near School Lane, across the road from the church.

PCSO Stuart Bowden said: “Due to the size and weight of the items taken it would have taken two people to carry out the theft, a vehicle would have been required to transport the stone work. The style (square cut) and colour (light / dark grey mottled) of the stone would lend itself to a fireplace hearth edge or similar feature.

“Currently it appears that criminals are taking more of an interest in our village churches, coin/collection boxes have been stolen, lead has been tampered with (not stolen) and stonework taken.”

If anyone has any information about the theft of stonework, or if something similar has happened but not yet been reported, call police on 101 quoting incident number 95 of May 15 2017.

PCSO Bowden added: “Anyone who lives or walks in the vicinity of a church please keep an eye out for suspicious people, vehicles or activity during the day or night and report on 101 the non-emergency number or 999 for a crime in progress.”