Thieves have been taking drain covers from roads across the county, warns Hampshire County Council

THIEVES who have taken a haul of drain covers from roads in Hampshire are putting people's lives at risk, the county council has warned.

The spate of crimes are leaving deep openings that pose a danger to drivers, cyclists and horse riders.

Cllr Nick Adams-King, Hampshire County Council's cabinet lead member for universal services, said: “While those responsible for the thefts might think this is a victimless crime, they are profoundly mistaken.

"They are risking residents’ safety and stealing from the public purse. In 2021, for example, the cost to replace 68 stolen drain covers was in excess of £100,000."

He said HCC's highways team blocks off drains as soon as the loss of a cover is reported.

It is currently exploring replacing the metal units with composite alternatives that have no scrap value – although they are mostly only for a temporary fix.

Cllr Adams-King urged people to report missing covers, and added: "Please therefore take extra care on the roads while we do all we can to make the affected areas safe as quickly as possible.

“In order to bring those responsible to justice, we need residents to be our eyes and ears on the ground."

To report a missing drain cover call HCC on 0300 555 1388 or, outside of usual office hours, Hampshire police on 101 or 999 in cases of danger.

Suspicious activity can also be reported online at www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/