AN increasing number of gully grates are being stolen from drains across Buckinghamshire.
Transport for Buckinghamshire (TfB) has received reports from across the north of the county that thieves are stealing the grates at a cost to the local community.
These are not only costing money to the community as TfB has to replace them, but on higher speed roads the thefts could result in crashes and injuries, especially at night and to users of two wheeled vehicles. The replacement of the grates diverts TfB’s crews from other high priority work, using time and resources that are required elsewhere.
Buckinghamshire County Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Transport, Peter Hardy said, “This is a growing problem in Buckinghamshire and has the potential to cause serious injury to road users. I would request that any scrap metal yards do not accept gully grates as scrap. We would ask them to report any cases to the police as this is now a criminal investigation.”
Thieves will be prosecuted, so if you witness any thefts, call the police non emergency number - 101.