Bush economy - Stealing manhole covers for scrap

[Ksec]

People have had to resort to stealing manhole covers to sell as scrap to pay bills and eat...Bushs economy- George stole Robin Hood.


Manhole covers disappearing in Columbus

Associated Press

COLUMBUS | Dozens of manhole covers and sewer grates have disappeared from the city in what law enforcement believe is a rash of thefts motivated by the high price of scrap met
City officials are struck by the frequency of the missing hardware — city workers have replaced 46 storm and sewer covers in the past month at a cost of $78 apiece, said Bob Ellinger, Columbus' sewer maintenance manager.

Usually, only one or two manhole covers are stolen each year, usually in the Ohio State University area and when big parties are held.

Police, who also have noted the disappearance of aluminum bleachers and benches, are contacting local scrap yards to remind them that only authorized city workers are allowed to dispose of metal products, according to a memo from Lt. Michael Broberg.

Authorities said a thief could profit from a recent jump in the prices of scrap metal.

Three years ago, scrap steel sold for $75 a ton. Last week, the price was $203 a ton for composite steel, said Chuck Carr, spokesman for the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries Inc.

City officials are worried that injuries could result with missing manhole covers giving way to 10-foot drops.

"If the manhole (cover) is missing, it would look just like a dark spot. You could very easily fall in there," Ellinger said.

The owner of one Columbus scrap yard said he didn't think manhole covers would be a likely target for thieves.

Manhole covers, which weigh about 90 pounds each, would fetch the seller about $2, said Mark Masser, owner of Masser Metals. Also, the covers are clearly marked with the city emblem, he said.

[dumpster_baby]

1. typical 3rd world shenanigans. Nothing to see here. Move Along

You, report to the nearest Free Speech Zone. Immediately!

[George W. Dunce]

2. This is not new

Here in Mass we have had this problem for several years. When I was a truck driver it was not uncommon to come in the early AM and find the 25 foot, 200 pound ramp missing from the bottom of the truck. It is made of aluminum. We also have rashes of house siding missing as well. We have recently shut down a homeless shelter and all of those who were staying there are now in a tent city on the corner of two very busy streets.All of these "petty" crimes are on the rise here.I am wondering how many of them will freeze to death this winter in their tents.Hey but how about that TAX cut!