Dozens Of Manhole Covers Stolen From Sacramento Streets

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — More than two dozen manhole covers were stolen in Sacramento over the weekend, costing the city thousands of dollars.

The manhole covers were stolen in neighborhoods and alleys, many of them overnight, making the black holes impossible to see.

Even for Daniel Debartolo, who once made a living making manholes, lifting the dead weight, 65 pounds of cast iron, isn't exactly easy,

But since Saturday someone's stolen 26 of the lids, the most in one weekend mainly in midtown and downtown Sacramento.

But many residents weren't even aware of the thefts. "Down here, downtown?" Carly Stewart asked CBS13. "I had no idea."

And that's exactly what city workers fear. City crews say, luckily, no one's fallen into a manhole or driven into one. The fall is typically four to 20 feet.

"Your car would be done," Debartolo said.

The cost to replace each cover: $165 taxpayer dollars. Just since May, the price tag on stolen manhole covers, grates and even sewer covers is $45,000.

"It's not fair to the city," Debartolo said. "It's not fair to the taxpayers."

The crooks make a quick buck for scrap metal, at the most $10 for each lid.

And if the criminals ever get caught, it's only a misdemeanor petty theft unless someone sees the criminal in the act — then it becomes a felony."

Sacramento police say metal recyclers could also face felony charges if they know what they're buying is stolen property.