Safety Fears As More Drain Covers Stolen Across HFM region
Written by HFM News on 3rd September 2026
More manhole and gully covers have been stolen from roads across the HFM region.
Thefts have been reported in the Rothwell and Desborough areas, while another cover was taken from Drayton near Medbourne yesterday.
It follows similar thefts near Great Bowden last month.
The thefts have left large holes in the road surface, posing a danger to road users
The thefts have left large holes in the road surface, posing a danger to road users, and the covers are thought to have been stolen for their scrap metal value.
A spokesperson for North Northamptonshire Council said: “Public safety is our priority, and any reports of missing or damaged drainage covers are responded to as quickly as possible.”
As a preventative measure to reduce the risk of further thefts, the council says missing or damaged covers will be replaced with hinged gullies where appropriate.
The spokesperson added: “The safety of road users remains our priority, and we continue to monitor reports and respond to any issues reported on the highway network.”
