FAST FACTS:
(Shelby County 3/10/2010) We've all heard of copper as a hot commodity for crooks. Now it appears they're going after cast iron as well.
Thieves are picking up quick cash all over Memphis and Shelby County, turning in stolen storm drain and manhole covers to scrap dealers.
Robert Knecht of Memphis Public Works says they replace about 350 grates and manhole covers a year with a price tag of about $50,000. On average, he says about 60 percent are replaced because they were missing.
The latest thefts happened in the Brunswick Farms subdivison. Four within a block were swiped last week.
"It was simply lifted out by a strong person and taken away," said Elizabeth Sutherland, President of the Neighborhood Watch Association. "It's a surprise something like this would be something someone would want to steal."
"I think it's very unsafe," she said. "We have a lot of children in this neighborhood, and as the weather gets nicer kids like to come out in this undeveloped portion and ride their bikes.."
Scrap metal dealers aren't supposed to accept the storm drain covers as is, so what crooks will do is use a sledgehammer to bust them up into little pieces.
Sutherland reported the crime to the Shelby County Sheriff's Department.
Bartlett Police tell WREG they've also recently received reports of between 20 and 30 storm drains stolen, with thieves targeting some of the newer subdivisions.
"Hopefully I'll keep my eyes open, but that would definitely cause some injuries," said neighbor David Godsey during his evening walk.
He says it's crazy what crooks will do these days.
"I guess they're in desperate need of money," he said.
We're told the developer has already ordered replacement covers. According to Sutherland, this time they'll be welded to the ground.
"Hopefully the idea of taking a hammer and pounding will be loud enough to discourage someone from trying to take these again," she said.
If you notice a storm drain cover or manhole cover missing, report it to your local authorities. To have it replaced, contact public works.
- Storm drain covers stolen in Brunswick Farms subdivision
- Bartlett Police say they've had recent reports of more than 20 covers stolen
- Crooks will sell them to scrap metal dealers
(Shelby County 3/10/2010) We've all heard of copper as a hot commodity for crooks. Now it appears they're going after cast iron as well.
Thieves are picking up quick cash all over Memphis and Shelby County, turning in stolen storm drain and manhole covers to scrap dealers.
Robert Knecht of Memphis Public Works says they replace about 350 grates and manhole covers a year with a price tag of about $50,000. On average, he says about 60 percent are replaced because they were missing.
The latest thefts happened in the Brunswick Farms subdivison. Four within a block were swiped last week.
"It was simply lifted out by a strong person and taken away," said Elizabeth Sutherland, President of the Neighborhood Watch Association. "It's a surprise something like this would be something someone would want to steal."
"I think it's very unsafe," she said. "We have a lot of children in this neighborhood, and as the weather gets nicer kids like to come out in this undeveloped portion and ride their bikes.."
Scrap metal dealers aren't supposed to accept the storm drain covers as is, so what crooks will do is use a sledgehammer to bust them up into little pieces.
Sutherland reported the crime to the Shelby County Sheriff's Department.
Bartlett Police tell WREG they've also recently received reports of between 20 and 30 storm drains stolen, with thieves targeting some of the newer subdivisions.
"Hopefully I'll keep my eyes open, but that would definitely cause some injuries," said neighbor David Godsey during his evening walk.
He says it's crazy what crooks will do these days.
"I guess they're in desperate need of money," he said.
We're told the developer has already ordered replacement covers. According to Sutherland, this time they'll be welded to the ground.
"Hopefully the idea of taking a hammer and pounding will be loud enough to discourage someone from trying to take these again," she said.
If you notice a storm drain cover or manhole cover missing, report it to your local authorities. To have it replaced, contact public works.
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