Road Services are dealing with an increase in the number of drain covers being stolen which are being targeted because of their scrap metal value. So far this year around 40 have been stolen. Each cover costs about £250 to replace as the road has to be dug up to replace the frame on some gullies with a more secure hinged grating.
Head of Service, Robert McMaster, voiced his concerns: “We are extremely concerned about the danger these missing covers may cause to members of the public, as well as the increasing cost of this to council tax payers within the Falkirk Council area. A pedestrian could easily fall into an uncovered drain or manhole and be badly injured, and vehicles could also be damaged as a result of this mindless behaviour”.
If anyone spots a drain or manhole without a cover we would be grateful if you could report this to us by calling the Council’s Contact Centre on 01324 504600. As soon as we are aware of a theft we will send a team out to make it safe again. We will also report the theft to Central Scotland Police who will treat the matter as a crime.