Hampshire County Council urges residents to be vigilant after recent drain cover theft crime spree

Road users across Hampshire are being urged to be vigilant after a recent spate of drain cover thefts.

Hampshire County Council has asked residents to look out for the potential hazard of deep openings in the road surface as well as anyone suspicious who could have carried out the thefts.

Councillor Nick Adams-King said: “In order to bring those responsible to justice, we need residents to be our eyes and ears on the ground.

“I would ask anyone who sees any suspicious activity involving highway apparatus or has any information about a drain cover theft to please report this to the Police as soon as possible.

“I would also be grateful to anyone who spots that a drain cover is missing to let us know quickly so that the highways team can take appropriate action to keep our roads safe.

Mr Adams-King also stated that these thefts are not a “victimless crime”, and it cost the council more than £100,000 to replace 68 stolen drain covers in 2021.

To report a missing drain cover please call on 0300 555 1388.

In emergency situations outside of usual office hours, call the police on 101, but if you feel road users could be in imminent danger, dial 999.