Mount Prospect police received a report about 11:48 a.m. Sunday of a missing drain cover (manhole cover) near Elmhurst Road and Council Trail. Police received a report that a manhole was missing from the grassy area on the west side of Elmhurst Road, just north of the bridge.
During a two-week period of October 5-19, 2010; eight (8) storm drain covers were removed from roadside curb receptacles by unknown person(s) in Arlington Heights. Drain covers are made of iron and the particular Arlington Heights grates are circular ‘honeycomb’ style, weighing approximately 100 pounds each. A single cover is valued at $100. There are no unique markings affixed to identify a cover as village property.
Apparently some thieves break up the iron with a hammer. Most scrap yards won’t except intact drain covers because of the likelihood that they were stolen. The smashed pieces of drain cover are not as valuable as an intact drain cover.
People with poor eyesight or people walking jogging or cycling at night are at risk of falling in holes left open by stolen drain covers. Some communities have legislated more severe punishment for offenders convicted of stealing drain covers.
Police departments ask local residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. Anyone who observes unauthorized person(s) acting suspiciously near a village storm drain structure is asked to be a good witness and call 9-1-1 immediately. Obtain a description of the individual(s) and any associated vehicle. Do Not attempt to intervene; personal safety is paramount. Information can be transmitted anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 847-590-STOP(7867) or emailing crimestoppersATvah.com.
NOTE: The Village of Arlington Heights and other local governments respond rapidly to the theft also as a hazard and work to guard against injuries and damage that could result from hitting the open drain cover as a pedestrian, bicyclist or driver of a vehicle. Beware of open holes that have not been reported.
See also …
The Cardinal Arlington Heights Police Alert Residents About Series of Storm Drain Cover (Manhole) Thefts
BBC News China manhole thefts prove deadly