The UNESCO World Heritage Site has warned holidaymakers that its famous stones are not souvenirs after increasing reports of theft.

City councillor Franky Demon recently claimed that the medieval location is losing between 50 and 70 cobblestones per month - with repair costs totalling around €200 (£168) per square metre of stones.

He said: "We ask for nothing but respect. Walking in Bruges means treading on centuries of history. Please leave these stones where they belong.

"These cobblestones are not just pieces of stone - they are part of our city's soul. We urge visitors to enjoy Bruges, but to leave its beauty intact for others."

The councillor revealed that local spots including Minnewater, Vismarkt and the Grand Place are losing cobbles rapidly, which has created a safety risk for pedestrians.

Demon said: "While some may see this as harmless or quirky, the consequences are serious. The removal of cobblestones poses a clear safety risk to both residents and visitors. Missing or loosened stones create tripping hazards, and city workers must frequently be dispatched to carry out repairs."

The politician revealed that one "perpetrator" had taken the time to replace a missing cobblestone with a planted flower.

He said: "A whimsical gesture, but one that underscores a lack of respect for our shared heritage."

Bruges has been struggling to cope with overtourism and the city voted to reduce the number of cruise ships allowed to dock in the nearby port of Zeebrugge and axed tourism promotion in other destinations like Paris to discourage day-trippers in 2019.