Police confident they'll nab thieves (From Penarth Times)

Police confident they'll nab thieves

PENARTH police say they have a strong lead in connection with the theft of the town's precious paving stones, and are confident they can shortly make an arrest.

In January this year around 60 Pennant stones were reported stolen from Pembroke Terrace within the space of two weeks. It brought the total to over 200 of the irreplaceable slabs since the end of 2003 to date.

A spokesperson for the force said: "We don't want to give too much away at the moment, but we are working on a very strong lead. If all goes to plan, we should be able to make an arrest very shortly in relation to the theft of the paving stones from around Penarth earlier this year and at the end of 2003."

It is believed the slabs were stolen to be re-laid on driveways and courtyards of properties throughout Wales.

The incident in January, coupled with earlier thefts at the beginning of December 2003, mean over 150 Pennant stone slabs have been stolen from streets mostly in the Penarth Conservation Area.

Slabs were taken, up to 10 at a time, in some instances, from Stanwell Road, Kymin Terrace, Cliff Parade and Pembroke Terrace.

It is believed the thefts were carried out to order in broad daylight by a gang wearing bright yellow jackets posing as local authority workmen. The thieves even sealed off areas with cones to allay suspicions. They would then lift the valuable stones into a white van and drive off.

Vale of Glamorgan council officials were quick to condemn the thefts as large areas of adopted footway were affected creating a dangerous situation for the public.

The thefts also cost the council money in terms of replacement work.