LEETONIA Leaving no stone unturned to solve theft

A reward is being offered for the stones from a family's barn.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LEETONIA -- Salem Township Constable Dan Valentine is seeking information about the theft of several landscaping stones from a Butcher Road property.
The stones are large and have sentimental value for the homeowner, Valentine said. There is a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people who took them, he said.
Valentine said the stones were from the foundation of an old barn owned by the homeowner's grandfather and father.
The homeowner placed the stones to form a wall in the front yard, he said. They were cut to fit together to form the wall.
He said the stones are distinctive and can be identified by the homeowner.
Sent the word out
Valentine said he has alerted owners of area auctions and other places where someone might try to sell the stones.
He said the theft was well planned and took place overnight June 30 with the homeowners at home. The stones could not have been moved by one person, he said.
"One person could not have done this and they would have needed a large truck," Valentine said. "They only left three stones, probably because they were too large to move."
Valentine said the stones vary in size between 18 and 30 inches long and 8 inches tall. They weigh between 70 and 120 pounds each.
Anyone with information about the theft or attempted sale of the stones may reach Valentine at (330) 427-0808.