Apr 1, 2008 10:30 pm US/Central
Manhole Covers Among Latest Targets Of Thieves
Increase In Metal Thefts Could Be Another Sign Of Economic Downturn
OAK LAWN, Ill. (CBS) ―
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Authorities say at least eight manhole covers, each weighing about 125 pounds and costing about $150, have been stolen from south suburban Oak Lawn streets and alleys.
CBS
There has been a rash of thefts in south suburban Oak Lawn, and it's costing taxpayers lots of money.
The targets are manhole covers, and police say it's the sign of a declining economy.
CBS 2's Dana Kozlov reports manhole covers weigh at least 125 pounds, and they're not easy to pry off. But since mid-March eight of them have been stolen, leaving gaping holes in alleys and streets.
Police have no idea who's taking them, but they believe this is more than a prank. The thieves are stealing them for cash.
"I thought I ran into a pothole, but now my car's been pulling to the right, like it needs to be realigned, so maybe that was it," said Oak Lawn resident Katie Livaich.
Police say most have been snatched at night and likely taken to recyclers, who buy whatever comes their way.
"I'd site the money and the fact that metal is going at an all-time high right now," said Oak Lawn Police Department Division Chief Michael Kaufmann. "We're seeing that in some other areas with aluminum theft from gutters to, now, manhole covers."
It's getting so bad Kaufmann believes thieves even stole the guard rail off a Bishop Ford feeder ramp to make some money.
But the thefts are not only a nuisance; they're dangerous, too.
"There's a lot of young kids on this block and I wouldn't want them falling into this hole," said Oak Lawn resident Terry Reilly.
But police say kids aren't the only ones who could be hurt by a missing manhole cover. An adult not paying attention, perhaps, could be harmed too.
"If it's been in a the ground for a while you're probably going to need a tool to actually lift it out, but it's possible to stick your hands in those different grate openings and actually lift it up, but it would take somebody with some strength to do that," Kaufmann said.
Kaufmann said each manhole cover costs about $150, but it costs about $240 to replace, with labor costs.
So far the suburb is out several thousand dollars of taxpayer money.
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