Press Release

Grate Drain Robbery Could Kill – Council Leaders Warn

14th August 2008

Gangs of thieves which are taking advantage of record commodity prices by stealing thousands of drain covers are putting the public at risk by striking at night and leaving drainage systems exposed, council leaders warned today.

Councils are issuing safety warnings to the public and are urging them to report missing covers urgently before people are seriously hurt as the number of thefts continue to rise.

Replacement costs to local authorities are at least £300 per cover, and with so many thefts are costing the taxpayer millions every year. Those having to be replaced are done so with ductile steel which has no scrap value.

Recent thefts from across the country include:

• On Tuesday, 20 drain covers were stolen in Northampton
• Since April, 268 drain covers have been stolen in Surrey
• In July, 42 drain covers were stolen in ten days from the Slough area
• In July, 20 drain covers were stolen in one night from around the Accrington area
• In June, 15 drain covers were stolen from in front of a village school near Peterborough
• In April, 220 drain covers were stolen in four nights from around Warwickshire

Paul Bettison, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Environment Board, said:

“With the ever rising price of scrap metal continuing to soar, thieves are increasing their raids on drain covers. 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.

“Councils are working hard to replace covers, ensure safety and avoid blocked drains. If anyone witnesses suspicious behaviour, especially at night, they should contact the police or their local council immediately.”