Arrests made in Shrewsbury following suspected manhole cover thefts
Police on night patrol in Shrewsbury today arrested two men suspected of stealing manhole covers.
The arrests were made as police in Shropshire step up patrols and vehicle stop checks during the hours of darkness following an increase in burglaries and thefts of metal.
Officers stopped two vans travelling together in the Sundorne area shortly after 2am today. Up to 30 manhole covers were found in the back of one of the vehicles.
The drivers, aged 37 and 36, were arrested on suspicion of stealing the covers and also on suspicion of driving with excess alcohol. They were taken into custody at Shrewsbury police station for questioning.
Detective Chief Inspector Alan Edwards said today: "We have stepped up our night-time patrols and checks on suspicious vehicles in response to the recent increase in burglaries and theft of metals.
"Our aim is to disrupt travelling criminals and we will continue to stop anyone or any vehicle which we consider to be acting in a suspicious manner."
He added: "I again stress the importance of the public working with the police and notifying us immediately on the 101 number if they see anything which raises their suspicions.
"Do contact our control rooms on this number so officers can check out anything which appears untoward."
