Paving slabs pinched in Mill Green

MUSEUM workers are baffled as to why thieves stole a row of paving slabs from outside the front of the building in the middle of the night. Staff

MUSEUM workers are baffled as to why thieves stole a row of paving slabs from outside the front of the building in the middle of the night.

Staff and visitors at Mill Green Museum were surprised to find on arrival the flagstones had gone missing from a pathway leading towards the entrance.

In total, 67 imitation York flagstones had been pulled up and stolen in the raid, which took place sometime between last Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.

Dave Knight, who works as a miller at the local history museum, was the first to make the discovery when he turned up for work.

"I came in first thing on Wednesday morning and found the slabs had been taken," the 51-year-old said.

"I phoned the police straight away, but I'm not holding out much hope on them being found."

He added: "The only thing I can think of is that somebody has a nice new patio or drive somewhere."

Caroline Rawle, museums manager at Welwyn Hatfield Council, said: "It's a complete mystery.

"Our miller came in on Wednesday morning and found all the paving slabs gone.

"They (the thieves) have stopped just short of the gate, so it looks like they've been taken to order and somebody's doing a patio and didn't fancy paying for it.

"It's very frustrating. The whole museum is so secure, but we can't do much about somebody nicking our paving slabs."

Mrs Rawle said she expected the cost of replacing the slabs to be upwards of �500.

Call police with information on 0845 33 00 222.