Craig Barker, of Tan House Drive, Wigan, pleaded guilty at Wigan Magistrates' Court on 16 October 2026 to two counts of theft and one count of handling stolen goods, following a series of coping stone thefts from historic boundary walls in the Rufford area of West Lancashire during 2025.
The thefts took place over several months and caused significant concern within the local community. Due to the remote nature of the locations and the absence of CCTV or forensic opportunities, the offences proved particularly challenging to detect.
Community uses tracking devices
In response, members of the community developed an innovative solution, placing discreet tracking devices within a number of vulnerable coping stones. After several weeks without incident, further stones were stolen overnight on 25 October 2025, including one fitted with a tracking device.
Officers from the South Rural Task Force responded immediately and successfully tracked the stolen property to Barker's home address. A search of his home led to the retrieval of coping stones valued at approximately £7,000, including a substantial quantity of previously stolen stones.
Sentence and recovery
Barker was subsequently arrested and charged in connection with the offences. Having heard evidence regarding the impact of the crimes on the local community and the damage caused to the area's rural heritage, the Magistrates sentenced Barker to 12 months' imprisonment, suspended for 22 months, and imposed a financial penalty.
PC Sean Dalby, from the South Rural Task Force, stated: "This type of crime has a significant impact on rural communities, both financially and emotionally. This case highlights the strong relationships we have developed with our communities and demonstrates the effectiveness of working together to tackle rural and heritage crime."
He added: "I would like to thank the local residents for their support throughout the investigation, as well as those who gave their time to rebuild the wall free of charge."
