Sacramento Running Out Of Manhole Covers Due To Theft

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – Another rash of manhole cover thefts in midtown Sacramento has forced city officials to spend thousands to replenish their dwindling supply of replacement lids.

Authorities said at least 18 of the metal covers were snatched overnight Thursday in addition to nearly 50 that were stolen last weekend. The sudden crime spree has nearly depleted the city's supply of covers, delaying repairs and creating road hazards for drivers.

Sacramento has spent at least $57,000 on replacement lids in the past six months. Each manhole cover fetches about $11 when sold for scrap.

Three detectives have now been assigned to investigate metal and copper thefts in the area.