Historic Stone Wheel Stolen from Cumbrian Farm Garden

A substantial stone wheel, estimated to be over 200 years old, has been reported stolen. The sandstone object, measuring 2ft (0.6m) in width, was removed from a garden located outside Low Walton Farm in St Bees, Cumbria. Police indicated that its owner believes the theft occurred between 15:30 GMT on 11 November and 07:00 GMT the following day. A reward has been offered for the wheel’s safe return. Historically, it served as a sharpening stone for agricultural equipment and rested upon a sturdy wooden oak stand, which was left behind by the perpetrator(s). Victoria Dixon, 43, the owner, stated in an interview with Nishma Hindocha on BBC Radio Cumbria that she and her husband, Chris, had previously attempted to relocate the wheel but found it too heavy. She mentioned having contacted salvage yards, where she learned such items are often repurposed for stone walls or as decorative water features. Mrs Dixon further commented: “On Monday, I was there with my uncle. We were admiring it, how historic it is and how it suits the property it has always sat alongside. It’s at a property we rent out, and on Tuesday morning a new tenant moved in. They called us to say thanks for moving the stone, thinking we’d moved it for safety reasons as they have a small child – and we had to admit we hadn’t. We all loved having a piece of history in the garden. Now its gone, the whole family are devastated and we would just love to have it back.” According to a neighbour, a man in a blue or purple people carrier was observed surveying the vicinity in the days preceding the incident. The wheel’s estimated weight is approximately 13 stone (83kg), and it features an iron handle affixed to its central point. Individuals possessing relevant information are encouraged to contact Cumbria Police.