Drain covers disappearing in Hartselle

Covers have been disappearing from Hartselle storm drains over the last few weeks and public works director Byron Turney is asking residents for their help to catch the thieves who are stealing them.

Turney said at least five storm drain covers have been stolen, including three in the Tanner Heights area and one by the high school.

“We don’t know who’s been doing this,” Turney said. “But they’re expensive to replace.”

Turney said he thinks the suspects could be stealing them and selling them for scrap metal. Thus, the public works department is looking at ways to secure the covers and make them more difficult to steal.

“Scrap metal is bringing a good price now,” Turney said. “They’re probably taking it and selling it for scrap metal. So when we’re replacing them, we’re going to find a way to get them anchored down.”

Turney believes that more than one person is involved in the thefts because of the size of the covers. The smaller variety are between 75 and 100 pounds while the larger ones can weigh about 300 pounds.

And it can be costly to the city. Including labor, the cost per cover ranges between $100 and $250.

“It adds up quickly,” Turney said.

Turney asked residents to help watch for the thieves.

“Pretty much, the only people who should work on the storm drain covers are in vehicles from the city or Hartselle Utilities,” Turney said. “If you see someone in some other vehicle messing with the storm drains, it might be a good idea to inform the police.”