Council counts £11,000 cost of metal thieves

Since the turn of the year, Rotherham Borough Council has been hit by the theft of 96 iron grates—which they believe are being pinched and sold on as scrap metal.

Now they are appealing for the public to help catching the thieves, who once have launched a fresh blitz on the borough’s roads after stealing covers worth £35,000 in the year up to October last year.

The cost of replacing these covers is around £120 each—money which would otherwise have been spent on maintaining the highway network.

Road users, particularly those on two wheels, are also being warned to take extra care when travelling as they may encountered unexpected holes, with the south of the borough being particularly badly affected.

A council spokeswoman said: “The thefts have the potential of leaving Rotherham's highways in a very dangerous state.

“At this time of year the hours of daylight are few and if a cyclist were to hit

an open gulley that they had not seen, it could result in very serious injury.”

The council's Streetpride has vowed never leave a gulley uncovered and anyone spotting an uncovered drain or gulley is asked to report it to both South Yorkshire Police on 01709 832280 and Streetpride on 01709 336003.

Cllr Gerald Smith, the council’s Cabinet member for regeneration and environment, said: “The grates, which are made from either cast-iron or sprung steel, will cost a lot to replace and officers are now considering trialling other products, such as plastic covers, which would obviously not tempt unscrupulous individuals looking for a quick cash return on scrap metal.”