Police make arrests after borough drain cover thefts

Two men have been arrested in connection with the theft of more than 50 drain covers in the county, many having been taken from locations in Erewash.

Derbyshire County Council alerted Derbyshire Police to the problem, with issues firstly being reported in many Long Eaton streets and on in Ilkeston in late July.

In more recent days, Borrowash was significantly affected with most covers taken from a less populated area of Elm Street and others taken from nearby streets. The Derby City village of Spondon was also targeted.

A 32 year old Long Eaton man and a 37 year old from Nottingham were detained after a vehicle was stopped in Long Eaton.  Nottinghamshire Police officers made the arrests after picking up on reports of metal theft elsewhere in the county. The men were later bailed pending further enquiries.

It is not known whether the two men arrested were responsible for all, or some of the thefts reported over the last few months.

Police continue to appeal for information. Anyone who can offer any details, including CCTV or Dashcam footage, is being asked to call 101, or use Police social media presences or their website.

Derbyshire County Council Highways officers have attended the locations where covers were stolen to make them safe.

• Facebook– send a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
• X (Twitter)– direct message the contact centre on @DerPolContact
• Website– complete the online contact form at derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.
• Phone – call 101

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org