MANHOLE covers are being stolen from Swindon’s roads and alleyways by bogus workmen and sold for scrap on the black market.

Police confirmed at least 40 metal covers have been taken from New Town and Old Town streets in a week.

The brazen gangs have looked plausible as they wear high-visibility jackets and use work vans to take the covers, according to a Swindon Council spokesman.

Last night PC Mark Hurry of Swindon Police, who is leading the investigation, said: “The first thing we are concerned about is for public safety.

“We don’t want people falling down these holes. You could quite easily break an ankle or even get stuck down one. Some of the manhole are as deep as six foot.”

It could cost Swindon Council as much as £10,000 to repair the damage caused by the thieves. Cash to rectify the problem will come out of its street maintenance budget.

PC Hurry, who is based at Gablecross Police Station, added: “We are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information about the thefts to come forward and speak to us.

“The last theft we have was in Bath Road, Old Town, on March 8. We find by the time they are reported to the council, who then inform us, there is a considerable delay.

“Each of the reported manhole thefts has been replaced with plastic covers by the council.

“This in itself costs the council between £180 and £200 for each manhole. If it’s on a junction then traffic light management is another cost.”

Police said the thefts were being driven by the high price of scrap with cast-iron selling for up to £120 a tonne.

“The theft of these covers is not only dangerous to all road users, especially cyclists, but it’s also costing us a fortune to replace them,” said a council spokesman.

“In some areas, such as back alleys behind houses, we can use cheaper plastic replacements which aren’t attractive to thieves, but on most roads we have to use cast iron because they need to be tough enough to withstand heavy vehicles.

“If anyone sees covers being removed and not put back, especially if several are being removed at once, they should report it to the police.”

The spokesman added: “Although the thieves often dress in reflective jackets and drive vans or pick-ups to look like road maintenance workers, council staff or contractors would not remove covers without immediately replacing them.”

Call PC Hurry on 0845 408 7000 or Crimestoppers, where tips can be left anonymously, on 0800 555 111.