POLICE are investigating the theft of stone flags from the back yard of a law firm in Clitheroe town centre.
The flags, which have not yet been valued, were pulled up outside Steele and Son Solicitors in Castle Street.
A blue Bedford van was spotted in the area at the time of the offence and police are investigating after a passer-by took its registration number.
Insp Bob Ford, of Clitheroe Police, said: "We are asking people to be vigilant and not assume that people removing flags or stone are bonafide building workers just because they might look the part. If in doubt, take the registration number of their vehicle and contact us immediately."
Stone theft from rural areas now accounts for 15 per cent of property theft in East Lancashire and is increasing by five per cent annually.
There were 362 reported stone thefts in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale, last year, with many more in the Ribble Valley.
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