Con Ed: 30 Manhole Covers Stolen In Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- More than 30 manhole covers have been stolen across the city since early March, posing a serious danger to pedestrians and motorists, Con Ed officials said.
The utility believes the manhole covers -- which have been stolen in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx -- are being sold for scrap metal.
The covers can weigh anywhere between 150 and 300 pounds, spokesman Mike Clendenin said.
"There's not really any practical use for them at all or even decoration," Clendenin said.
Witnesses have reported seeing people dressed in utility apparel -- without any official company markings -- pry open the manhole covers using car jacks and then load them onto pick-up trucks before driving off.
Con Ed is working closely with the NYPD to quickly combat the problem, especially since open manholes are dangerous.
"You've got a hole in the ground and someone can fall and seriously hurt themselves; you've also got live electricity," Clendenin said.
Any New Yorkers who spot any suspicious individuals working near manholes or removing the covers are asked to call 911 immediately.
