Gwinnett Officials Ask for Help in Stopping Manhole Theft

Officials in Gwinnett County are asking residents to be on the lookout for metal thefts happening around the county, including that of county-owned manhole covers.

Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources said thieves have resorted to stealing the manhole and drop inlet covers from sanitary and stormwater sewers as well as cast iron water meter covers. 

“These covers are expensive, but we have to make sure we replace them quickly to ensure the safety of our residents,” Acting Water Resources Director Lynn Smarr said in a press release. “Replacing these stolen covers is a waste of water customers’ money.”

Residents are asked to call the 24-hour call lines of Gwinnett Police at (770) 513-5100 or Water Resources at (678) 376-7000 if they see anyone who is not a Water Resources staff person in a Gwinnett County vehicle removing manhole or drop inlet covers or if they notice a missing cover. County vehicles are clearly marked and Water Resources employees wear uniforms.

“Missing manhole covers are a serious safety hazard for children, animals and adults, particularly at night,” said Jeff Boss, Field Operations and Maintenance Division director. Residents are encouraged to take pictures of alleged thieves and their vehicles and to send them to Boss at jeff.boss@gwinnettcounty.com.