Thieves Take 30 Manhole Covers from North Carolina City

Police in Bessemer City, N.C., are looking for thieves that have taken about 30 manhole covers in the past week.

The Gaston Gazette reported the stolen manhole covers are valued at about $90 each.

The first thefts were discovered Dec. 11 with another group of covers taken the next day.

City manager James Inman says the covers have been taken from off-road areas so no cars have been damaged. But Inman says someone could easily fall into the holes where the cast-iron covers are supposed to be.

Jamey Ramsey with Bessemer City Public Works says the covers are heavy but could probably be carried by one person. Ramsey says the covers are probably being sold at a scrap yard. Cast iron goes for about $12 per 100 pounds.