WICHITA, Kansas, May 9, 2008 – Prices for scrap metal are once again on the rise and Wichita police say they’re concerned they’ll see another outbreak of metal thefts, but now the thieves aren’t just targeting copper wires.

Manhole covers are the latest items to catch the eyes of thieves. The Wichita Water Department says already it’s had 10 cases of people stealing the big pieces of metal compared with 25 in all of last year.

Criminals are targeting everything from the round manhole covers near storm water drains to covers as big as two feet by five feet, weighing hundreds of pounds.

One cover can be traded in for about $20, but it will cost the city $450 to $500 to replace.

But Wichita isn’t alone. The crime trend is happening across the country and besides the cost, it’s also dangerous.

"What you'd find if you lifted one up is about a six to eight foot drop,” said Ryan Alsop with the Long Beach Water Department.

"A pedestrian could walk in it,” said Phil Roberson, Albany, Georgia Public Works Director. “If a manhole cover was missing like has been the case, then obviously a car, bicycle or motorcycle could fall in it.”

In Atlanta, police busted a manhole theft ring. Three men loaded a van with several hundred to 150 pound covers. Police say it’s illegal for scrap yards to buy the stolen covers, but they add thieves are finding a market somewhere either by hiding it among other scrap metal or the scrap vendors are simply breaking the law as well.

Either way, it’s costing taxpayers.