Scrap thieves take manhole covers

The covers are being stolen to be sold on for scrap

Scrap metal thieves are putting "lives in danger" by stealing manhole covers in Merthyr Tydfil, a councillor claims.

Drain covers and road signs are also being taken and there have been reports that openings up to 20ft deep are being left uncovered by the thefts.

Merthyr Tydfil council said it has received a number of complaints from residents about the problem.

Councillor Bill Smith fears the thefts could lead to serious injury if someone falls into the openings.

It is thought the thieves are operating by posing as gangs of council workers.

This is a serious issue as these thefts could leave residents lives in danger Cllr Bill Smith

In one incident reported, three men travelling in a white van and claiming to be council workers removed a manhole cover.

The council's engineering department have said that manhole covers have been stolen from around the privately owned Pengarnddu Industrial Estate.

The lower half of several road signs on the A470 and A4060 have also been taken.

In the last week alone, four gully covers have been stolen.

'Serious issue'

The scrap value for the metal gully covers would be between £2 and £4 but costs the council £100 each to replace.

A spokesman for Merthyr Council said: "The increase in the theft of manhole covers and road signage is a direct result of the scrap worth of these materials, and it is estimated that the thefts to date are costing the county borough thousands of pounds to replace."

Councillor Bill Smith said he was concerned about the problem

"This is a serious issue as these thefts could leave residents lives in danger," he said.

"Residents are urged to be on the lookout for such actions and take note of vehicle registration numbers or person identifiable information and report them to the police or the council."

Anyone with information can contact Merthyr Council's environmental services department on 01685 725402.