Addicts in a state of desperation often resort to theft, taking anything they can get their hands on. This might involve crawling under a vehicle to saw off its catalytic converter or shoplifting large quantities of Tide laundry detergent.
Chances are, if an item can be easily taken and exchanged for drugs or sold for quick cash, there will always be someone out there attempting to steal it.
3 Other Weird Things Thieves Will Try to Steal
Did you know that criminals seem to have a strange liking for some unusual items? As per 24/7 Wall St, pregnancy tests, sap for making maple syrup, and Nutella are some of the odd things that are apparently popular among them.
In Germany, around 11,000 pounds of Nutella, valued roughly at $20,000, was lifted from a parked cargo truck last year. Around the same time, a Nutella-related crisis emerged at Columbia University. After students successfully petitioned to have Nutella offered in the cafeteria, they proceeded to steal it at unsustainable rates — about 100 pounds a day.
Thieves in Illinois now have a new target in their sights, and it’s something that can be found on every street in every city across the Land of Lincoln.
Thefts Could Be Dangerous for Motorists and Pedestrians in Illinois
Chicago Police have issued a warning regarding stolen manhole covers in the Midway Airport area, as reported by the ABC-TV affiliate in Chicago.
According to 24/7 Wall St., manhole covers can weigh over 300 pounds and are usually constructed from iron, but may also contain copper. Due to the increasing price of copper, which has more than doubled in the last 14 years, the metal is highly sought after by thieves.
According to authorities, the theft of the initial manhole occurred on August 25th, within the 2700 block of West 55th Street. Subsequently, another manhole was reported missing within the same block on Tuesday, October 31st.
Just a few weeks back, a manhole went missing in the 5200 block of West 63rd Street, approximately eight streets away from here.
How Much Can Thieves Get for a Manhole Cover?
As per the New York Times, scrap metal dealers are willing to pay up to $30 for some of these manhole covers, which can weigh as much as 300 pounds.
When manhole covers are missing, it not only poses a threat to drivers and pedestrians but also results in an expensive replacement cost of $200 for the utility company.
Also Read:
- Juvenile Members of “Kia Boys” Gang Apprehended and Stolen Vehicles Retrieved by PPD
- Frederick County Jewelry Heist Results in Two Arrests and $3 Million in Stolen Goods
- CSPD: Stolen pistol discovered in stolen car
