Only a Minor Crime

Walking through Gledhow Woods with David today, we came across this:

A couple of stones and a gap.

Closer investigation showed the gap is where a paving stone isn't:

There were several others missing in the area too. And it's happening all over Leeds, and probably all over Yorkshire wherever there are paving stones. Or, rather, aren't.

It's quite easy to turn up with a van late at night and just nick a few stones, which are very saleable. Sometimes half a street's worth disappears.

The council don't replace them, because they're too expensive: for a long time it all just looks a mess and in the end they tarmac it over and it looks dull and characterless for ever after.

To me, it's crimes like this - often thought of as comparatively minor - which really alter the feel of a place and make it a less pleasant place to be. And I resent the fact that people do this just to make money, with no thought to the impact on the place or on those who live there.

And that's why, non-violent peace-lover that I am, if ever I happen to be on a railway bridge holding a large piece of Yorkstone paving, and if the man who has taken it from its rightful place just happens to be directly underneath, I may just drop it on his head. Even thinking about it makes me feel better.