Bolton gatepost tops go missing in spate of thefts

Residents have been left shocked to find their historic decorative tops on gateposts missing from outside their homes.

The thefts started at the end of September with a number taken in the last few days.

Several neighbours from around the Smithills and Halliwell area have reported their gatepost tops as being stolen in the early hours of the morning, with two incidents taking place on September 26.

The distinctive finials are made from brick and can fetch hundreds if not thousands of pounds depending on the year they were built in and their condition.

Many houses in Bolton still have the old gateposts tops.

Cllr Rabiya Jiva, for the Halliwell ward, said: “As the lead for stronger communities, we will look into this matter, but we need people to continue reporting things to the police and come forward to tell us so that we can do something to help.

It’s really important in Bolton that we have the neighbourhood watch team active in our communities.”

One neighbour in Bennetts Lane, Smithills, said she felt unsafe in her own home after her gatepost was stolen.

She said: “They are quite valuable and an ancient brick.

“It’s upsetting because it’s part of my house and it's an expense we did not need especially with children and Christmas coming up.”

Ring doorbell cameras from neighbours shows the gatepost tops being stolen at around 4am in the morning.

People were also concerned with, what they say is, increasing crime in the Smithills and Halliwell area.

The neighbour said: “We have a lot of car break-ins as well and last time it happened, my neighbour had some valuables stolen.

“I did not even know they were expensive, but I went online and saw they sell for hundreds of pounds.

“We report things to police, but nothing ever happens.

“We need a neighbourhood watch and maybe more patrol in the area so it can act as a deterrent for things like this in future.”