Saddleworth’s distinctive dry stone walls have been targeted in nighttime raids by callous thieves.

The hand-built walls feature on roadsides, reservoirs and farms across the villages and are seen as an added attraction for tourists.

But a rash of thefts are being reported to police and social media, and in one case, pictures show thefts of top stones from a dry stone wall around Castleshaw and reservoirs which have been in place for several decades.

One upset local posted: “Unfortunately someone has been removing and stealing the rounded toppers. Quite a few were missing and loads more are missing in recent days.

Missing stones at Hill End Road in DelphMissing stones at Hill End Road in Delph (Image: Ken Bennett)

“These are very distinctive rounded toppers. It’s very sad to see them destroyed. They were typically used by the waterboard.

“I think people have trained their house cameras towards the walls and we believe someone is putting a wildlife camera up in one of the fields.

"And few locals are going to do a drive-by in the night at different times. If you are walking in that area and see anything suspicious please take photos etc and let us know."

Another local complained: “These thieves are stealing our heritage. It’s shameful.”

A large section of stone has been removed from Hill End Road and a local commented: ”I think these ones have been pushed over the wall rather than taken.

"But I’m not sure why anyone would get any pleasure out of doing such a thing.”

Police are investigating and local patrol plans are in place to try and identify any repeat offences.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting incident 3058 of 20/11/2024.