Jun 30, 2008 11:24 am US/Eastern
Manhole Covers Stolen For Scrap Metal
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Fall River police say their city is the latest to be hit with a growing problem across the country - manhole covers and sewer grates stolen from streets for money.
Sgt. Paul Bernier told WBZ 12 of the cast iron covers have been stolen in the last month.
Bernier said there's a serious safety concern because someone could fall in or a car could be damaged.
According to a report in USA Today, hundreds of covers have been ripped off in several states the last three months - another sign of the sluggish economy.
In Fall River, the covers reportedly weigh between 125 and 150 pounds. According to the Herald News, the city pays $125 each for them. They're sold for about $10 as scrap metal.
Last September, two people were arrested in Manchester, New Hampshire for stealing manhole covers. More than two dozen sewer grates were also stolen in Pembroke and Epsom for scrap metal.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
