Drain cover theft spate across UK

Increasing scrap metal prices could have triggered the thefts

Thieves are stealing thousands of drain covers across the UK, costing taxpayers millions and putting the public at risk, council leaders have said.

The Local Government Association (LGA) blamed the theft of some 50,000 covers this year on the high cost of metal. Theft cost councils some £1.5m in 2008.

Since April, 268 covers were stolen in Surrey and, in that month, 220 were taken in four nights in Warwickshire.

The LGA said "mindless thieves" were putting drivers and cyclists at risk.

It said gangs, who are taking advantage of record commodity prices for the metal, are operating at night.

Covers are now being replaced with ductile steel because it has no scrap value.

Councils are urging members of the public to report missing covers to avoid people being seriously hurt.

'Serious accidents'

In July, 42 drain covers were stolen in 10 days from the Slough area in Buckinghamshire and 20 were taken in one night from around Accrington, Lancs.

In the previous month, 15 drain covers were stolen from in front of a school near Peterborough.

Replacement costs to local authorities are at least £300 per cover.

Paul Bettison, chairman of the LGA's Environment Board, said: "The drain cover thefts costs taxpayers millions of pounds while exposing drivers and pedestrians to injury or death.

"It is disgusting that mindless thieves are stooping this low for scrap metal. This thoughtless criminal act is not only selfish but it could lead to serious accidents.

"With most of them striking at night, there is an increasing worry that pedestrians, cyclists and even cars may not see the approaching danger."