More than 600 thefts of Yorkshire stone have been recorded across Bradford district in three years – with just 16 charges brought against those responsible, it has been revealed.

Incidents have occurred in villages including Haworth, Oxenhope, Oakworth and Wilsden.

And the issue of Yorkshire stone being taken from Brontë Country landmarks was highlighted in the Commons last month by Bradford MP George Galloway, who called on the government to take action to stop such thefts from heritage sites.

Bradford Council’s heritage champion, Councillor Val Slater, said she was disappointed so few people had been brought to justice for the crime, and urged anyone with information to contact police.

Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show there were 343 crimes recorded in 2009, 151 in 2010 and 116 in 2011.

Just 16 charges have been brought and four cautions relating to the total recorded thefts.

The news comes just months after the council revealed thieves were leaving taxpayers with a £250,000 annual bill because of the sheer volume of Yorkshire stone and metal they kept stealing from district landmarks and roads.

Coun Slater added: “Although the number of thefts appears to be falling, it is unclear what the impact of this is.

“I recognise the police have a difficult job to follow up and detect these crimes, but I am disappointed so few people have been brought to justice.”

Chief Inspector Damien Miller said: “Yorkshire stone is often targeted by thieves because of its high value, and it is often stolen late at night or early in the morning.

“To be able to tackle stone theft we need people to be our eyes and ears and report any suspicious activity.”

People with information should contact police on 101.