Safety warnings after spate of metal drain cover thefts

Missing drain covers pose a serious threat to pedestrians and cyclists. Photo / APN

Authorities have issued a safety warning after a spate of thefts involving metal drain covers.

More than 30 heavy stormwater drain grates have disappeared from roadsides in the Wellington's southern and eastern suburbs in the past week.

The covers stolen from streets in Island Bay, Brooklyn and Seatoun created danger for children and cyclists, Wellington City Council infrastructure director Stavros Michael said.

"They leave holes into which a small child could easily fall and drown - or cause death or serious injury for any cyclist who has the misfortune to ride into one of the open [drains]," Mr Michael said.

A Porirua scrap metal dealer had recovered seven cast-iron drain covers from people attempting to sell them as scrap metal and their details had been passed onto police.

Wellington residents and motorists were also being urged to keep an eye out for suspicious activity to prevent the theft of more of the cast-iron covers.

Mr Michael said the council thought the spate of thefts was a sign the global increase of metal theft was taking root in New Zealand.

"People think they'll make easy money out of thieving things like drain covers. But we urge would-be thieves to think twice before getting involved - the returns are paltry compared to the possible punishment."

Auckland Council issued a similar warning in December after a spate of thefts in the city.

Eleven covers were stolen in Papakura but the manholes were given a temporary covering until replacements were found.

In 2009, 2-year-old Aisling Symes drowned in a west Auckland stormwater drain after falling through a dislodged manhole cover.

Mr Michael said the global recession appeared to have coincided with high prices for scrap metal. People think they'll make easy money out of thieving things like drain covers. But we urge would-be thieves to think twice before getting involved the returns are paltry compared to the possible punishment.