Police have warned that substantial amounts of gravel stolen from a remote quarry on Arran may be easily traced.
They say the rock worth thousands of pounds, from Hawthorne Quarry, three miles from the main road, is unique and could be easily matched if found on someone’s driveway.
The quarry, on the forestry road high above Knockenkelly, north of Whiting Bay, is owned by the Forestry Commission, called in police. Motor access is via a three-mile track from the Dyemill at Lamlash.
Police believe the gravel has been stolen in ‘truckloads’ rather than something that could be carried in a pick-up.
Sergeant Stevie Leary said: ‘We believe that the commission plans to install closed-circuit television at the site. If a theft is reported we will pursue it.
‘The geology of this rock is unique and any gravel traced to someone’s driveway could very easily be matched. A prosecution would follow.’
A Forestry Commission spokeswoman said they had been aware for some time that stone was being taken from the quarry.
‘I would estimate that several thousand pounds’ worth has disappeared,’ she said. ‘We have reported this to the police who are looking into the matter and it would not be appropriate to comment any further at this time.’
