Police appeal after drain covers stolen in York
It's been described as a "shocking and incredibly dangerous act of vandalism".
Last updated 19th Feb 2021
North Yorkshire Police is appealing for witnesses and information about a series of gully cover thefts across the city.
They were taken from Willow Bank, Poplar Grove, Station Avenue, Hawthorne Terrace South and Hawthorne Terrace North at around 7am on Tuesday 16 February 2021.
Officers say a white van was seen to be acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the thefts.
Local police and officers from City of York Council are warning that the thefts cause danger to public safety, as they leave large holes in the road uncovered.
James Gilchrist, Assistant Director of Transport, Highways and Environment, City of York Council, said: "This is a shocking and incredibly dangerous act of vandalism. Over 50 gully covers have been stolen in parts of the city, which has required our frontline teams to act quickly to make these uncovered areas safe.
"This theft is one of the most selfish we’ve encountered. Not only is this a serious danger to the public, it’s taken additional resources, time and money to replace covers, at a time when our crews are already stretched.
"We are checking our traffic and CCTV cameras to support the police in their investigation and would like to appeal to anyone with information to please contact the police."
It comes after similar cases were reported near the city, in the village of New Earswick.
Resident Helen Butcher said around 48 drain covers were removed in the early hours of Wednesday February 17, leaving holes along Willow Bank, Rowan Avenue and Hawthorn Terrace North.