San Francisco police warn about rash of stolen utility covers from city sidewalks

The San Francisco Police Department is warning residents to be on the lookout for gaping holes in the sidewalk, thanks to widespread theft of utility covers.

In a press release Thursday, police said the city's Public Utilities Commission has reported over 400 sidewalk utility covers being stolen over the past two years. The missing covers leave sizable holes in the sidewalk and created a tripping hazard for pedestrians, police said.

There are two types of utility covers being stolen; one is a dark-colored metal/cast iron oval-shaped cover with the words 'San Francisco Water Department,' and the other is a white or light-colored rectangular-shaped concrete cover with the letters 'SFPUC.'

Police said the department is investigating the thefts and is assisting in the recovery efforts.

Anyone who sees people removing or in possession of the utility covers was asked to call 911 immediately. Anyone who finds a utility cover was asked to call 311 so that it can be recovered. 

Police also asked residents to report any missing utility covers to 311.