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Manhole Cover Thieves Hit Streets of Philadelphia

Scrap metal prices result in 25-fold spike

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 23, 2008 8:47 AM CDT

(Newser) – These days you have to watch your step in Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love is suffering from an epidemic of manhole-cover theft, as rising scrap metal prices have led to a 2,500% increase in stolen covers and grates. Thieves are selling the covers for $5 to $10 at junkyards, reports the New York Times, and some streets now have so many orange cones marking off danger zones that they look like a slalom course.

The increase in theft started when prices began to soar for steel and iron, thanks to growing demand in India and China. Philadelphia has already spent $300,000 to replace the missing covers, but thieves have outwitted the city's security measures every time. "They used to say the streets around here will swallow you up, but they were talking about drugs and guns," said one Philly resident.

Rising metal prices have led to an epidemic of manhole cover thefts.
Rising metal prices have led to an epidemic of manhole cover thefts.   ((c) Wrote)
Subway Rising metal prices have led to an epidemic of manhole cover thefts.
Subway Rising metal prices have led to an epidemic of manhole cover thefts.   ((c) HelveticaFanatic)
A manhole in Laredo, Texas, gushes water Monday, July 2, 2007, as heavy rains fall in the city.
A manhole in Laredo, Texas, gushes water Monday, July 2, 2007, as heavy rains fall in the city.   (AP Photo/Laredo Morning Times, Andy Ellis)
Rising metal prices have led to an epidemic of manhole cover thefts.
Rising metal prices have led to an epidemic of manhole cover thefts.   ((c) bdjsb7)
Rising metal prices have led to an epidemic of manhole cover thefts.
Rising metal prices have led to an epidemic of manhole cover thefts.   ((c) Arria Belli)
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