7 August 2012 Last updated at 09:03 ET

Pebble theft at Rossall Beach 'damaging sea wall'

The theft of pebbles from a Lancashire beach could threaten sea defences along the coastline, a council has warned.

Wyre Borough Council said at least a tonne of large stones have been taken from Rossall Beach in recent weeks.

Councillor John Hodgkinson said some people have been seen filling the boots of their cars with the stones.

"These pebbles help to dissipate the energy from the waves as they come in before they hit the sea wall, which is roughly 70 years old," he said.

"In the next 10 years or so we are hoping to rebuild that, so we don't need anything between that time that is going to damage it any further."

He added: "They are not little pebbles that crunch under your feet. They are about six inches or so, they are very smooth, quite nice and with the advent of people having this sort of thing in their garden that has encouraged people.

"They are a saleable commodity."

A spokeswoman for Lancashire Constabulary said officers were aware of the issue and asked anyone who sees anything suspicious in the area to contact them.