Rochdale brothers charged with conspiracy to steal in York flagstone theft investigation

Photo: Cheshire Constabulary

The men have been arrested and charged as part of an ongoing investigation into the theft of historic York stones

Two Rochdale brothers have been charged in connection to a spate of York flagstone thefts across the North West.

Connor Lipinski, 28, and Owen Lipinski, 31, both of Rochdale and Jason Perry, 48, of Oldham, have all been charged with conspiracy to steal.

Perry was further charged with handling a stolen motor vehicle and driving while disqualified.

The men were arrested on Wednesday (27 July) following a series of warrants in Greater Manchester assisted by colleagues from Lancashire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, and Greater Manchester Police.

The arrests form part of an ongoing investigation into the theft of York paving stones from historic buildings across the North West, including St Mary’s Church in Astbury, St Peter’s and St Paul’s in Ormskirk.

It is unknown if this includes the theft of York stone from Hopwood Hall, St Leonard’s Church, The Olde Boar’s Head and St Mary in the Baum.

The men appeared at Chester Magistrates' Court on Thursday (28 July) and will next appear at Chester Crown Court on Thursday 25 August.
 

Read more: Three men arrested following a series of warrants in Middleton, Rochdale and OldhamPublished: 28 July 2022