News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Flagstones picbanner.jpg
Ormskirk and Rural West Lancs Police
Flagstones pic.jpg
Ormskirk and Rural West Lancs Police
World News

Three charged in connection with historic flagstone thefts from churches

by Donna Birrell

Three men have been charged in connection with a series of flagstone thefts from eight churchyards across the North-West of England.

28 year old Connor Lipinski and Owen Lipinski who's 31, both of Rochdale and 48 year old Jason Perry from Oldham have been charged with conspiracy to steal. They'll appear at Chester Crown Court on 25 August.

They were arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into the theft of valuable York paving stones from historic buildings. York stone is highly regarded and can be worth thousands of pounds. 
The first theft was reported by Ormskirk Parish Church in Lancashire in February.

Officers from Cheshire Constabulary's Rural Crime Team were assisted by colleagues from Lancashire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, and Greater Manchester Police to conduct warrants at addresses in Middleton, Oldham and Rochdale.

Police Constable Rob Stordy from Cheshire Constabulary's Rural Crime Team said:

 "Not only do thefts of historic stone destroy our rich history, but it impacts the heart of our rural communities.

"It's important that we collaborate with other forces to investigate these crimes, share information and work together to get justice for our rural communities.

"I want to make it known that Cheshire is and will continue to be a hostile environment for those intent on committing heritage crime and I hope our efforts today demonstrate our pursuit in disrupting criminality by using any means necessary."


 

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate