If you are cycling in County Durham, do look out for missing manhole and
drain covers:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/4024663.stm
"""
Road danger after manhole thefts
Thieves have stolen nearly 100 manhole covers and dozens of road traffic
signs from the streets of County Durham.
The cast iron gully and manhole covers were taken over the past three
weeks by thieves looking to make extra cash selling them for their scrap
value.
Warning, direction and give way signs have also been cut from signposts.
Durham County Council said it will cost thousands of pounds to replace
them, and said the thieves are putting lives of motorists and
pedestrians at risk.
'Booby trap'
The manhole covers have been taken from Bishop Auckland, Chilton,
Ferryhill, Fishburn, Spennymoor, Shildon, St Helen Auckland and Witton
Park, while the signs have been stolen from isolated moor roads in Upper
Teesdale and Weardale.
The council said it will cost about £15,000 to replace the heavyweight
covers which have a scrap value of only a few pounds.
Most of the new road signs are made from plastic-coated steel which has
little scrap value.
Roger Elphick, from the council, said: "Stealing these covers is
tantamount to laying a booby trap for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
"It's difficult to understand the mentality of someone who is prepared
to risk people's lives for the sake of gaining a few pounds in the run
up to Christmas. It is totally irresponsible.
"The cost to the council tax payer to replace them far outweighs their
scrap value and means there is less money to do other vital highway
maintenance work."
"""