More than 35 gully tops have been stolen from the Macclesfield, Poynton and Wilmslow areas in the past week.
The first reported theft took place on Wednesday, January 12th. Since that time, more have been reported and Cheshire East Council is currently working with Cheshire Police to find those responsible.
Once removed, a gully top leaves a large hole in the middle or side of a road – posing a significant danger to road users. They are worth very little when sold as scrap but cost thousands of pounds to replace. Similar thefts were reported in the Crewe and Congleton areas in May and June last year.
Cheshire East Council and Cheshire Police are currently investigating a possible sighting of the thief or thieves in Henbury and are appealing to residents to report anything suspicious.
Cheshire East Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: "I continue to be baffled as to why anyone would choose to steal these items. Replacing them will cost thousands of pounds in taxpayers' money which could have been spent elsewhere.
"The danger of removing such vital highways equipment poses a serious danger to both drivers and pedestrians. Those who have carried out such thefts have given no thought to those their actions may affect.
I urge the residents of Macclesfield, Wilmslow and Poynton to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to Cheshire Police."
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
The thefts have tended to be in closes and alongside properties with a long frontage behind a hedge or wall.