Thieves steal drain covers worth £5,000 from Shropshire's roads

About 20 drain covers worth a total of £5,000 have been stolen from Shropshire's roads in the past week, including more than a dozen in one night, it was revealed this afternoon.

Police said the drain covers were taken from sections of the A458 Shrewsbury to Bridgnorth road and the B4380 in the Shrewsbury area.

Officers said 15 of the covers were taken overnight on Friday.

A total of 12 were taken from Berrington and Cross Houses, five from Cressage, one at Sheinton and another two from Leighton.

The thefts are the latest in a spate since the start of December.

Constable Dave Harte, the local policing officer for Shrewsbury rural south, said: "The public can play a big part in helping us arrest the offenders.

"We urge people to phone the police immediately if they see roadside drains or gulleys being tampered with or worked on. Even if they appear to be council staff, call the non-emergency 101 number so we can check them out in situ. We also urge scrap metal merchants to notify the police if they are offered such items."

He added: "Gaping holes are being left in the roads putting the public in danger. Any information which will assist our investigations will be most welcome."

Information can also be given to the Crimestoppers number anonymously on 0800 555111.