Stone thieves have struck again in several parts of West Yorkshire, with stretches of pavement ripped up in some of the worst incidents.

Now police are urging the public to report incidents as soon as possible to help them catch criminals who are “costing the area a small fortune.”

Police are investigating incidents near Batley Train Station and in Carlinghow, while members of the public say there have also been problems in Brighouse and Middleton, Leeds.

A spokesman for Batley and Spen Police issued a statement on Facebook that said: “We have been made aware of stone thefts in the Batley area, but unfortunately there has been a delay in reporting this to us and vaulable time and evidence has been lost. Please report this to us as soon as possible and help us catch whoever is costing the area a small fortune.

“The photos show where the stone has been lifted from the rear of Batley Train Station and in Carlinghow.”

Members of the public were quick to respond to the Facebook post by highlighting other areas where stone thefts had occurred recently.

One said: “They have also invaded Calderdale. I noticed stones missing along Thornhills beck lane in Brighouse this morning.”

Another added: “Also in Middleton, Leeds.”

One poster said: “Beckett rd Batley Carr has also had some removed.”