Thieves steal three tonnes of stone from park

The distinctive stones – used as paving slabs and wall capping stones – were forcibly removed from their settings in the park, last Saturday. A substantial portion of the park’s decorative stonework was damaged in the theft.

Councillor Clive Roberts, executive member for the environment at Worthing Borough Council, said: “It is extremely sad to see Beach House Park’s stonework ruined like this. Apart from the amount it will cost to put the damage right, it is a deep shame to have the park’s tranquil atmosphere shattered by such an act of vandalism.

“It is, thankfully, extremely unusual that anyone has the opportunity to lever solidly set stones out of the ground, but that doesn’t detract from the seriousness of the damage caused.”

The areas affected have been made safe, and the council is awaiting a report from their surveyors to outline how much the repair work will cost.

A police spokesman said: “On Monday morning, Worthing Council informed us that three tonnes of York stone had been stolen from Beach House Park, in Lyndhurst Road, Worthing, sometime over the weekend.

“No arrests have been made and the property has not been recovered.”

Anyone with information about the crime is urged to contact Sussex Police, quoting crime reference 47140145185 – reports can also be made anonymously to CrimeStoppers by calling 0800 555 111.