Stealing manhole covers is not only a problem in poor nations, but even developed and wealthy nations face the same problem. Has science given a term to people who thieve manhole covers? More importantly most of these manhole covers are made in India and shipped to US. Is it a contagious disease spreading from Indian foundaries to US through manhole covers? May be we must intimate CDC on this epidemic breakout?
It seems like the price economics and poverty that drives people to engage in such crimes. Iron, steel, copper and other alloys have been selling at a premium and people are making a living out of stealing and guarding the manhole covers.
Here is the statistics (Courtesy: NY Times)
1. More than 2,500 covers and grates have disappeared in the past year, up from an annual average of about 100.
2. Thieves can get $5 or $10 for wrought-iron inlet covers, which weigh about 40 pounds and cover curbside drains. The larger manhole covers in the center of the streets weigh about double and triple that and are worth commensurately more.
3. Phoenix has lost more than 160 of its manhole covers and street storm drains this year, up from 10 last year.
4. More than 80 drains and manhole covers have been stolen in Long Beach, Calif., this year and at least two local car owners who drove over the open chambers have filed claims against the city. Starting last year, such thefts in Cleveland, Memphis, Miami and Milwaukee have more than doubled compared with other years, although New York reports no such increase.
Surprisingly in India we have moved away from using Iron manhole covers to concrete and most of them are always open to the sky. The West always has something to learn from the East.
Visit the link below to read the original article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/23/us/23manholes.html hp=&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1216814540-QR9dL0Grq6RfoCndhIAc+A
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