York flagstones stolen from St Mary in the Baum – just days after being laid to replace ones stolen in January

Thieves have again stolen historic York flagstones from the Grade-I listed St Mary in the Baum church, part of the Toad Lane conservation area, in Rochdale.

The theft is the fourth time the church has been targeted in the space of 18 months with the stones being taken overnight between 22 and 23 August – just two days after being laid to replace the ones taken earlier this year.
 

Read more: Historic York stone stolen from St Mary in the Baum churchPublished: 29 January 2021

The theft is a heritage crime which carries harsher sentencing due to the impact of damage or vandalism to national heritage assets such as listed buildings like the church. The guidelines came into place in October 2019, and is the first time English and Welsh courts can take the damage caused into account during sentencing.

The theft of the stones, which date back centuries, have once again devastated the church council, which has renewed pleas for Toad Lane to be gated to prevent future thefts.

Nearby CCTV from neighbouring businesses is being reviewed and the incident has been reported to the police.

Reverend Anne Gilbert, who recently became vicar of the church, said: “The flags were only just replaced from the last theft on Friday (20 August) before being taken on the Sunday.

“It’s frustrating because a lot of the church congregation are older and we have to be conscious of their safety. The congregation were rejoicing that the paving was intact. It’s had an emotional impact on the church council because the flagstones have been there for so many years.

“If Toad Lane was gated, they wouldn’t be able to get in as close to move the flagstones, which aren’t light. We can’t keep replacing them.

“I was touched that Sir Tony Lloyd MP has reached out and expressed his frustration too. We want to be able to help the community, but we can’t continue to deal with these thefts and replacements.

“It will cost thousands to replace them. They have been marked with ‘SmartWater’ [a forensic liquid applied to valuables which glows under ultraviolet light to show a unique forensic code and allow the original owner to be traced] so they are identifiable, but that relies on someone reputable checking them.”

Greater Manchester Police has been contacted for comment.

Anyone with information should call police on 101.

Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.