Stop stealing sand from our beaches, say Sardinians

Tourists visiting Sardinia have come under fire for stealing sand from the island's beautiful beaches.

The Italian island is well-known for its clear blue waters and bright white sandy beaches but these have become a little too tempting for visitors recently.

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Airport officials say they have been confiscating packets of sand from luggage recently, the Telegraph reports.

A Facebook page, called 'Sardegna Rubata e Depredata', has been set up by locals who have been angered by the actions of those visiting their beautiful island. The page warns that the theft of sand from the island is a criminal offence.

Images posted to the social media page show that it's not just sand that visitors have been snatching. Bottles filled with shells and boxes filled with beach stones are also being taken.

Other pictures show that those stealing the sand are clearly keen to remember where they found the keepsake as they have named the bottles with the beach where the sand came from.

According to the Telegraph, a staggering five tonnes of sand was confiscated at Cagliari Airport in Sardinia last summer.

The Facebook page was started just over a year ago and has gathered support with more than 19,000 likes.

The page also provides advice on how those in support can help the cause by contacting local politicians in an attempt to make sure action is taken to prevent this in the future.

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