MORE than 100 manhole covers have been stolen in Bournemouth and Poole over the past two months, Dorset Police have confirmed.

The latest thefts, of eight manhole covers, were discovered last week in the Talbot Woods area of Bournemouth.

The Daily Echo reported on previous thefts earlier this month. Read the story here 

Detectives say the scrap value of each cover is just £8, while the cost of replacing them can be up to 30 times that amount. This means councils could already be looking facing a combined £20,000 bill.

The latest thefts, from Dulsie Road, Carrbridge Road and Keith Road, were reported at 9.30pm on Thursday.

Detective Sergeant Alistair Rogers, of Bournemouth and Poole CID, said: “These crimes create very hazardous conditions as motorist may drive into the holes or have to take potentially dangerous actions to avoid them.

“Over 100 covers have been stolen during night time hours in Poole and Bournemouth since October this year at a big cost to councils.”

Dec Sgt Rogers believes the covers, which each have their own distinctive logos, are likely being sold to a rogue scrap metal dealer.

He said: “I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed these incidents take place, has information about those responsible or saw any suspicious behaviour in the areas to contact police.

“I would like the public to report the registration numbers of vehicles seen removing the manhole covers as the offenders may be dressed in high visibility jackets.

“If residents have CCTV footage that may have recorded the thefts, they should contact police.”

Last week the Daily Echo reported how dozens of drain gulley covers had been stolen in the Northbourne, Winton, Queens Park, Littledown and Strouden Park areas of Bournemouth.

One Northbourne Avenue resident, whose car got stuck in a hole outside her house, said: “There was just this almighty crunch and I didn't know what had happened. Now I'm stuck in this hole and have to wait for a recovery truck to come and lift the car out.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police on 101.