Warning as thieves target Vale drainage system (From Barry And District News)

Warning as thieves target Vale of Glamorgan drainage system

12:24pm Friday 1st March 2013 in News

THE Vale of Glamorgan Council is urging the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious incidents following a spate of thefts in which 12 highway surface water drainage gully grids were stolen.

The first thefts came to light last Wednesday, with nine grids thought to have been stolen overnight between Tuesday, February 19, and the Wednesday, February 20.

Five drainage grids were stolen from Arlington Road, Sully. Three grids were stolen from the Dinas Powys area, one from Denbigh Road, another from Dunraven Close, and Lettons Way. The thieves also stole a grid from the Pontsarn area near Pendoylan.

A further three grids were reported stolen on Thursday, February 21. Again, it is thought the thefts took place overnight between the evening of Wednesday, February 20 and the morning of Thursday, February 21. One gully grid was stolen from Brockhill Rise in Penarth, another from Edith Road, Dinas Powys, and also from Brooklands Terrace, near Culverhouse Cross.

All 12 thefts have been reported to the police.

It is estimated the cost of replacing each grid will be in the region of £200.

The Vale Council’s highway works manager, Stephen Bowen, said: “We’re asking the public to please be aware that these thefts have taken place, and are continuing to take place in the Vale – if you see anything suspicious, perhaps involving a van or vehicle in your street, or you notice any unusual activity on one of the roads, please contact the council or the police with any details.”

The theft of these drainage gully grids causes potential for a serious hazard to road users and pedestrians.

Local residents and anyone who was travelling in the Sully, Dinas Powys, Pendoylan or Culverhouse Cross area and may have seen something suspicious, are urged to get in touch with the police to report their sightings.