POLICE are on the trail of a gang of Atherton windmill snatchers.

The giant decoration was stolen from the Lovers Lane home of Kenneth and Betty Crossley between Thursday night and Friday morning.

Furious Betty, 62, (pictured with her landmark windmill) said: "Kenneth built the garden piece for me for the big VE Day celebrations in 1995.

"I hope whoever took it broke their back carrying it."

The windmill, which was screwed down, is 3ft diameter at the base, 4ft tall and has 5ft 6in working sails.

Betty said: "It was there on Thursday night. Kenneth, a keen DIYer, took me to Hope Hospital for treatment on Friday morning, and when we got back we noticed it was missing. I was gobsmacked.

"One man couldn't lift it. It would have to be carried on a waggon. There's even marks on the wall where it has been dragged over. You certainly couldn't put it under your arm and walk off with it.

"We could still recognise it even if the colours were changed.

"And thieves beware - the local milkman and postman have been put on alert to look out for it."

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