More drain covers stolen in Arlington Heights

Thieves continue to plague Arlington Heights as a total of 20 storm drain covers have been stolen in a three-week period, police said.

The iron covers, which cost the village about $100 each, began disappearing on Oct. 5, according to the Arlington Heights Police Department.

The thefts have occurred at all times of the day and night but share one similarity they all coincide on scheduled Grott Recycling garbage pickup days, according to police. The majority of the reports have occurred in and around the Berkley Square neighborhood.

The items being stolen are circular manhole covers with a “honeycombed” design weighing in at around 100 pounds.

The covers do not have unique markings or engravings identifying them as village property.

Arlington Heights police noted that the storm drain covers are part of worldwide metal thefts because it is cheaper to recycle metal than to mine it.