COUNTRY dwellers across Wharfedale have been warned to be on the look out for slate thieves.

Thousands of pounds worth of slate from houses and farm buildings go missing every year.

And now, people who live in rural areas are being asked to keep a watchful eye and report to the police any suspicious sightings of

vehicles.

Tony Lidgate, of North Yorkshire Police, said rural watch schemes in places like Farnley, Leathley and Stainburn were a

valuable way of detecting and putting an end to the crime.

"The chances are a flat bed lorry or a Transit van out in the middle of the night in the countryside is up to no good, and we would ask people to give us a shout if they see such things," he said.

Mr Lidgate explained that tough planning laws meant that builders were always on the look out for slate and some might be tempted to buy cheaper slate that might have been obtained illegally.

And he warned people carrying out building projects against leaving piles of slate in the open."If you had a valuable car you wouldn't leave it insecure and one large lump of slate can be worth £12."

l Plea to politician, see P12.