MORE than a third of the number of manhole covers stolen across Worcestershire last year have been taken by “monstrous” thieves in just 12 days.

The wave of metal thefts that swept the county last year is showing no sign of letting up, with 168 manhole covers stolen since the beginning of January, putting lives at risk and costing the cash-stapped county council money it can ill-afford.

A total of 500 metal covers and gullies were stolen in 2011, costing county taxpayers £100,000 to replace.

The thieves also targeted a children’s play area in Cropthorne, near Pershore, before Christmas, stealing skate ramps worth £5,000.

Jane Segar, part of a steering group which spent two years raising money to ensure children could enjoy new equipment, said: “I hope these thieves realise they are depriving children of play. It’s monstrous what they have done.

“The children are gutted and so are Cropthorne and Charlton Village Hall who have spent two years raising money for play equipment, only to find thieves stealing it for scrap.”

County councillor John Smith, cabinet member with responsibility for highways and transport, said: “This is a totally irresponsible crime which is putting the lives of road users and pedestrians at risk. It is also costing the council thousands of pounds.”

Coun Smith said the county council, which is having to find up to £70 million savings as a result of reduced government funds, is working to reduce the thefts.

Your Worcester News previously reported how chiefs are in talks with West Mercia Police about the possibility of using SmartWater technology on the 110,000 to 120,000 manhole and gulley covers it is responsible for in a bid to put a stop to an increase in the number of metal thefts.

Detective Sergeant Dave Clews is in charge of Operation Livewire, West Mercia Police’s initiative to crack down on metal thefts.

He said: “Metal thieves cause misery for countless thousands of people across the country.

“Our crime risk advisers are going out to vulnerable sites across the force area with SmartWater to make it easier for dealers to spot stolen metal and in turn deter thieves from taking it.”

Anyone who can provide information on these thefts should contact the new police non-emergency number on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555111.

Meanwhile, politicians in Worcestershire are helping to draft legislation which could see metal thieves facing hefty fines.