Thieves Swipe Cast Iron Manhole Covers in Broad Daylight
Two hefty cast iron covers were ripped off White Wood Road between 1.55pm and 2.10pm on Wednesday, 26 January 2022. The suspect made a clean getaway in a dark Ford Transit van.
Police Hunt Man Seen on CCTV
PC Tom Booth from Dover’s Local Policing Team said, “We believe the person in the CCTV image may be able to assist us with our investigation. Although his face cannot be clearly seen, we are hopeful someone may still recognise him and come forward with information.”
Highway Safety at Risk, Council Warns
Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, David Brazier, slammed the theft as dangerous and costly. He said:
“The theft of highway drainage covers represents a real danger to the safety of everyone, as an unguarded hole is left in the ground. As well as the risk this poses to all highway users, it also means KCC has to make the area safe and then replace the cover and frame. This represents a cost to KCC, which could potentially reach hundreds of pounds at a time.”
Call to Action: Spot the Van and Man?
If you recognise the man in the CCTV image or know anything about the theft, contact the police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/19040/22. You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via their online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
