Drain cover thefts cost taxpayer £29,000

People are being asked to keep their eyes open for metal thieves after more than 100 drain covers were stolen throughout the county.
The warning comes from Northamptonshire County Council, which estimates the thefts have cost taxpayers around £29,000.
In all 118 covers have been stolen - at a cost of £245 each.
Not only are the thefts costly but the removal of drainage covers leaves holes in the road, which is a safety hazard to motorists and particularly cyclists. Anyone who witnesses a cover being taken should contact the councils Street Doctor service on 0845 601 1113 so that the site can be made safe.
David Farquhar, head of transport and highways at the Council said: "Thefts like this cause us many problems from a safety aspect along with a negative effect on our highways budget.

"The people who are stealing the covers have no regard for safety or cost and we urge the public to report any incident that they believe to be suspicious.
"I strongly urge anyone with information to contact the police or Street Doctor as we are very concerned about the effect of these thefts on public safety."
Many of the gullies in the county have been on the network for many years and the council is looking at alternative products which cannot be stolen such as hinged covers.
The police have been informed and the council is helping them with their enquiries.
Metal merchants are also being asked to be more vigilant and, if approached to buy gully covers, ask where they have come from, take details and report it to the police.