The Great Drain Robbery
15 August 2008 | Steve Bagshaw
By Paul Snell
The surge in metal prices has at least been good for one thing – reducing the number of cars abandoned on the streets and country lanes.
But according to the Local Government Association, the high demand for metal has created a new problem – gangs of thieves stealing thousands of drain covers.
On Tuesday night 20 covers were stolen in Northampton and in April 220 covers were stolen around Warwickshire in four nights.
This is clearly a serious procurement issue, with replacement covers, (made from ductile steel, which has no scrap value) costing around £300.
How can buyers mitigate against the theft of the items they buy?
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One of the things we (major water company) are currently doing is changing specifications for items which can be made from less valuable alternatives. For example GRP chutes where previously we used stainless steel.