Westminster hit by spate drain lid thefts

By Hannah Neary, Local Democracy Reporter

A west London borough has been plagued by thieves stealing lids of drains.

People have been urged to “be vigilant” after eight drain or “gully” covers were reported missing on June 24 in Westminster.

Westminster City council said it is investigating the issue and is ensuring the borough is safe for walkers and cyclists. The lids were taken from a public road, but it is unclear why they were stolen.

The authority tweeted: “Gully lids have been stolen in the north of Westminster. The gullies are being made safe urgently. We’re currently aware of eight stolen lids, and are carefully checking affected streets and those nearby.”

Westminster City council’s cabinet member for city management, Paul Dimoldenberg, said: “We were recently made aware of several missing gully lids in the north of Westminster.

“All of the covers have now been replaced apart from one, due to a parked car blocking access, and this will also be replaced as soon as possible.

“The lids were stolen from the public highway and our teams continue to carry out thorough checks of the surrounding streets to make sure all gullies are safe for pedestrians and cyclists.

“We encourage residents to be vigilant and to report any missing gully lids via the Report It page on the council website.”

More than 30 metal drain covers were reported stolen from Staffordshire streets between May 21 and 24. A 32-year-old man from Cannock was arrested on suspicion of burglary and four counts of theft, the BBC reported on June 20. He has since been released under investigation.

About 40 drain and gully covers were also stolen from roads in Somerset in April, and two people have been arrested in connection with theft.

Pictured top: Lids have been stolen from drains in Westminster (Picture: Westminster City  council)