ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. — Rockdale County officials say there has been a string of thefts in several neighborhoods. The items taken? Manhole covers and storm drain grates.
Security video shared with Channel 2 Action News shows men pull up to take the covers and grates then place them in the trunk of a SUV.
Residents of a subdivision off Iris Drive told Channel 2’s Cory James they are concerned about safety after manhole covers were stolen earlier this week.
“We have people in the neighborhood that jog, little kids that play, and they can possibly fall in the hole,” said Larry Tukes, a concerned neighbor.
The thefts have left large holes in the ground, posing a risk to children and joggers in the neighborhood. Rockdale County officials report similar incidents throughout the county, including areas like Lambeth Estates, Glen Meadow, and near Lake Rockaway Road.
Sydney Chandler, another resident, expressed her worries.
“Even right here, these ones are by the bus stop,” Chandler said. “Kids get off the bus, they are multitasking, too. Kids can easily fall it’s a safety concern.”
County officials have indicated that it will cost approximately $200 to replace each stolen manhole cover. Video footage shows crews arriving after the thefts to cover the holes with caution tape.
The thieves are believed to be stealing the covers to sell them at scrap yards, although the specific scrap yards involved remain unknown.
The theft of manhole covers has created safety hazards in several neighborhoods, with county officials responding by covering the holes with caution tape.
The county is also having to purchase locks to put on them, which could total $7,600 in total.
At least 20 manhole covers and drain grates have been stolen in the following areas:
- Ellis Point Subdivision
- 2204 Thames Drive
- 2341 Lake Rockaway Road
- Glen Meadow Subdivision
- Sigman Road
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