Rash of manhole cover thefts in Huntington

HUNTINGTON (WABC) -- Authorities on Long Island are investigating a string of manhole cover thefts in Huntington.

Official say 9 of the town's 30,000 covers have been stolen in the last week and at least 50 have had to be replaced over the past year.

Pranksters or vandals may be taking them, but the culprits may also be stealing the cast-iron steel covers to sell as scrap metal.

The thefts have cost Huntington about $10,000 over the last year, but they also pose a risk to the public.

The covers conceal underground drainage structures that can be 20 to 30 feet deep with no ladders. Missing manhole covers could lead to serious injury if someone falls into the manhole or if a vehicle strikes it.

Authorities are asking anyone who might have witnessed any of the thefts or has other information that could lead to an arrest to contact police right away.

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