Theft of drain covers is an on-going crime which will ultimately kill someone. It is a regular occurrence in our area. No-one has any idea whatsoever who possibly could be doing this.
Since June, there have been recorded thefts of 400 drain covers from roads across Warwickshire – causing a major road safety issue and costing the taxpayer thousands of pounds to replace.
The most recent spate of thefts have been in the Bidford on Avon and Salford Priors area in the south west of the county and Nuneaton and Brinklow in the north of the county. Whoever is doing this - and who knows who it can possibly be - is likely to move, or travel, to our area next.
The primary concern is the safety of road users, particularly cyclists who risk being seriously injured if their wheels get caught in the uncovered holes. In addition, the cost to Warwickshire taxpayers of immediately making safe the drains and permanently replacing the stolen covers is estimated at £90,000.
Cllr Peter Butlin, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport, said: “Gully thefts present a danger to road users and replacing stolen drain covers costs the taxpayer a huge amount of money.
We need public support in reporting any suspicious incidents so that thefts can be prevented and the offenders brought to justice. Our latest information indicates the offenders may be wearing fluorescent jackets and using unmarked vehicles, and we are asking the public to report any activity they see where people appear to be working around drain covers so that we can check whether they are supposed to be working on the highway.
If anyone sees suspicious vehicles parked or anyone behaving in an unusual manner near road drain covers they should call the police crime desk on 01926 415000, but if they see a theft in progress they should call 999 immediately. It would be useful if registration numbers of suspicious vehicles could be noted.”
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously: 
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