Residents' help sought to combat gully-cover thieves

A team of irresponsible thieves are costing Council Tax payers thousands and could be putting the safety of drivers and pedestrians at risk.

Dozens of cast iron gully covers have been removed from roads throughout Rochdale borough. And Rochdale Council is appealing to local residents to keep an eye out for the thieves, and report any incidents.

Reports received by the police have described a gang using a white transit van. They park at the edge of the road and simply lift the cover out of the gutter before putting it in the van and driving away.

Les Prescott, Highway Maintenance and Street Lighting Manager said, "These are very frustrating thefts as each cover costs a lot to replace, but the thieves can't be getting much for them as scrap. We would ask if residents do see anything, they report it to the police as soon as possible."

Thefts have been reported across the borough, including Heap Brow and Seymour Street in Heywood, Royle Road and Lincoln Street in Rochdale, and Langley Lane in Middleton.

If gully covers are missing, Rochdale Council will arrange a temporary cover or barrier to protect road users. When the covers are replaced permanently, new hinged covers are installed, which cannot be lifted out of the gutter.