Fresh warnings on metal thefts

Dec 7 2007 by Dave Black, The Journal

METAL thieves who cause road safety hazards by stealing drain covers have extended their activities to a second area of Northumberland.

Three months ago warnings were issued to bikers, cyclists and pedestrians after 27 cast-iron gully grates were stolen from streets in the Hirst area of Ashington.

The removal of the 10-inch drain covers left deep holes in the roads and sparked fears of potential accidents and serious injuries if anyone cycled or stepped into them in the dark.

Now council chiefs in neighbouring Blyth Valley have revealed that their back lanes have also been hit by the same problem – thought to be the work of gangs who steal metal to sell for profit. Blyth Valley Borough Council has recorded 20 incidents in which drain covers have been stolen from various parts of Seaton Delaval – including eight from the same street.

Yesterday the council said the cost of replacing the missing gully grates is about £1,000, but there are also serious concerns that the thefts will cause accidents.

It says the holes left in the roads could cause serious damage to vehicles driving over them, as well as the potential for injuries to unwitting pedestrians.

Streetcare portfolio holder Coun Bernard Pidcock said: “Streetcare are responding to any calls and making safe any gullies where the covers have been stolen, but clearly there is a risk that the gully opening could be left exposed for some time before being noticed and reported. I would like to encourage anyone who sees anything suspicious to note vehicle descriptions and registration numbers and inform the police immediately.”

In September members of the public rang Wansbeck Council to report the thefts of drain covers in Ashington, and seeing a white van and black pick-up in the area. They cost an estimated £2,500 to replace.

It is believed the covers, on drains which collect rainwater, are the latest target of thieves who have been pillaging the North-East over the last 18 months for valuable copper piping and cable, lead flashings, wiring and scrap metal to sell for profit.