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Rash Of Manhole Cover Thefts Causes Concern

PEABODY (CBS) - It's a heavy piece of iron that's being illegally lifted from city streets.

Peabody Public Services Director Bob Langley says in the past couple of days several catch basin covers have gone missing in various locations. He says, "it creates a safety hazard, not only that - it's the cost to replace the covers."

Police believe the covers are being stolen and sold for scrap.

In Barbara Drinan's Peabody neighborhood where there are plenty of kids getting ready for Halloween even the witches and ghouls in her yard didn't scare the thieves away.

Freshly patched pavement marks the spot where the drain grate was ripped out right in front of her home.

She says it's ironic it happened near her house because a high school friend was suffered brain damage after falling into an uncovered storm drain when she was a teen.

The catch basin covers weigh about 150 pounds each.

Peabody Police Detective Peter Olson says there seems to be also happening in neighboring city and towns. He believes the grates are being sold as scrap for money.

Twelve grates have been stolen in Peabody in two days and plenty of manhole covers have been ripped from roads in neighboring cities and towns.

Police want people to keep an eye out for the anyone prying them from the pavement and for any gaping holes left behind.

If anyone has information they should contact Peabody Police.

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