Transport and streets
Warning to road users as Walsall Council responds to spate of drain cover thefts
Published on
Walsall Council is working hard to respond to reports of a spate of drain cover thefts, 35 of which have occurred since the weekend.
Roadside drains can be more than a metre deep and present a potential risk to the safety of road users and pedestrians, particularly at night when they are not so easily visible. The current spate of thefts started on 9 May and are mainly in the Willenhall and Bloxwich areas. Since that date 50 drain covers are known to have been stolen. Witnesses have reported seeing the thieves using a white 2006 Transit van and wearing yellow high visibility clothing.
“ We are deploying a fast response team to make each reported location safe and for replacement covers to be installed as soon as possible. However, in most cases, this means having to dig up the road and install a new drain cover and metal frame which is both time-consuming and costly. “
The thefts have been reported to West Midlands Police who are investigating the thefts. It is thought that the covers may have been taken to be sold as scrap metal.
“ I would encourage members of the public to help us tackle thefts by being extra vigilant and to report any missing manholes or gully covers as soon as possible to our contact centre on 01922 650000. “
