Lancashire Constabulary issued an update on 27 February 2026 after York flagstones were stolen from the Blackpool area in Lancashire. Police are advising residents and business owners of older properties to check their premises and secure any loose paving materials to prevent further theft.
The alert was sent through the Stay In The Know messaging system to warn the community about these high-value targets. These historic stones are often taken by organised groups, and replacing them with authentic materials can cost victims up to £400 per square metre.
Officers are specifically searching for private CCTV or dashcam footage from the local area to help identify vehicles used by the thieves. According to Historic England, heritage crimes involving the theft of historic stone have risen by 9 per cent in recent years.
Clive Grunshaw, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, is currently overseeing the strategic response to these types of community crimes. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police or share evidence with Neighbourhood Watch to help recover the stolen stone.
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