The stones were recovered from a trailer being towed on George Lane, Read, at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30th. They are described as thick paving stones of varying sizes and thickness. Police suspect they may have been taken from the Ribble Valley area. There has been a spate of thefts of stone paving and other stone in the Ribble Valley in recent weeks.

Police are appealing for the owner of the 10 stones to contact Sgt Graham Marshall on 01200 458734.

• AS a direct result of targeted police activity, including publicity in the Clitheroe Advertiser and Times, a number of arrests have been in connection with the alleged theft of stone in the Ribble Valley.

Several suspects have been interviewed and investigations are continuing with a view to bringing charges.

In another case, it is thought a significant theft was prevented when a police patrol spotted stone near Ribchester which had been lifted in preparation to being stolen later.

Police are continuing to target this activity using several techniques, including a system of invisibly marking stone thought to be at risk.

Officers are also appealing for continued public vigilance. If you see anyone behaving suspiciously, perhaps even masquerading as bona fide workmen removing stone in broad daylight, ring the police without hesitation on 01200 443344. Similarly, if you are suspicious of a vehicle, make a note of its registration number and alert the police.

Officers stress they would much rather turn out to a well-intentioned false alarm than miss an actual crime in progress because a witness wasn't sure if it was worth "bothering" them.