Crime & Safety
In Newark, the Case of the Missing Manhole Covers
Eight covers discovered stolen Friday.
It may not be the worst offense in the extensive annals of Newark crime, but the recent theft of eight manhole covers from two different areas of the city has officials concerned nevertheless.
"The city Of Newark has received reports of manhole covers being stolen from our streets, and the Department of Water and Sewer Utilities is actively working with the Newark Police Department to address this issue," Mayor Cory A. Booker said in a statement.
The thefts, which were reported Friday, were from the intersection of Prince Street and South Orange Avenue, and from Tichenor Street and Railroad Avenue.
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"The Newark Police Department will vigorously investigate these thefts until the suspect(s) responsible are apprehended," Newark Police Director Samuel A. DeMaio said in a statement.
Booker added that the thefts were likely the work of scrap-metal thieves selling off the goods for their cast-iron content. City officials will work with scrap dealers as part of the investigation, Booker added.
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One New Jersey recycling yard was offering up to 11 cents a pound for cast iron this week. Manhole covers typically weigh more than 100 pounds.
Earlier this month, three men were arrested and charged with stealing manhole covers and other equipment in Middlesex County.Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
