Council hit by theft of gully covers

THIEVES have stolen 25 gully covers from roads across Carmarthenshire.

Council leaders have hit out at those responsible. They say their reckless behaviour is putting the safety of road-users and pedestrians at risk.

It will also cost approximately £4,000 to replace them.

The gully covers have been stolen from a number of areas including Swiss Valley, Pembrey, Cwmgwili, Pont Abraham, Henllan Amgoed and Llanboidy.

Council staff have made the areas safe and are arranging for replacement covers to be fitted as soon as possible.

The incidents have been reported to the police who are investigating. It is thought the covers have been stolen for their scrap value.

Residents are now being asked to be vigilant and to report any suspicious or unusual activity, particularly outside of normal working hours.

Executive Board Member for Street Scene Cllr Colin Evans said: “There has been a spate of thefts of gully covers over the last week, with more stolen over the weekend.

“This is extremely dangerous and could result in a serious accident. The cost of replacing these covers will also run into thousands of pounds, and is something we could really do without when there is so much pressure on budgets. This is money that could be much better spent on essential maintenance works and frontline services.

“If anyone has any information which may help, please report it.”

The council and police are working together under the Community Safety Partnership to tackle metal theft.

Police Inspector Tony Ward said: “The persons responsible for stealing these gully covers are potentially putting other people at risk from serious injury. To see 25 covers taken in such a short period is unprecedented and totally unacceptable.

“As part of our partnership approach to tackling metal theft (Operation Tornado), staff will be keeping an eye out for these thieves and I’d ask members of the public to help us catch those responsible by being vigilant and reporting anything suspicious to us on 101.”