Grate drain robbery: Police release more information on ‘incredibly dangerous act of vandalism’

Thieves who stripped several streets of their drain covers have been condemned for their “incredibly dangerous” act.

YorkMix reported yesterday how the covers were taken from streets in New Earswick, York.

Today the police have revealed that more than 50 were stolen – and issued an appeal to track down those responsible.

The gully covers were taken from Willow Bank, Poplar Grove, Station Avenue, Hawthorne Terrace South and Hawthorne Terrace North at around 7am on Tuesday (16 February).

A force spokesperson said: “A white van was seen to be acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the thefts.

“Anyone who saw anything suspicious, or who saw a white van in the area at the time of the incidents, is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police.”

The thefts create a safety hazard as they leave large holes uncovered in the road.

James Gilchrist, assistant director of transport, highways and environment at 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.”

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