CHEEKY thieves who left a County Durham farmer with a 14ft hole in the roof of his cattle shed may have stolen to order, police believe.
More than 200 blue slates were taken off Michael Fletcher's byre at The Mill, Ingleton, near Darlington, in just a couple of hours on Wednesday evening, and up to four people could have been involved.
A police spokesman said: "They could have been watching the farm and seen the workers leave. It was an audacious theft, and it must have been planned.
"It would have taken three or four people in order to move so many tiles in such a short time, and they would have had a vehicle.
"We feel that they had a buyer for the tiles, which will cost the farmer a few hundred pounds to replace."
Anyone who knows anything about the theft, or saw people acting suspiciously in the area, is asked to contact PC Colin Gaughey, at Bishop Auckland police station, on (01388) 603566.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article