Residents are urged to take extra care and to be vigilant following the theft of storm drain gulley covers in Rhondda Cynon Taf overnight.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and South Wales Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a spate of gulley cover thefts in the Rhydyfelin and Llantwit Fardre. Other parts of the County Borough may also be affected.
The thefts occurred overnight on Wednesday, March 17, and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is assisting South Wales Police with its investigation. The theft of gulley covers present an extreme danger to public safety as they leave large drainage holes in the road uncovered.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, with responsibility for highways, said:
“This is absolutely shocking and a despicable act of theft and vandalism. Both the Council and South Wales Police are treating this very seriously and all efforts are being made to trace the perpetrators.
“These gulley covers are there for a reason. Open gullies, with no coverings, are extremely dangerous. Our frontline services team is having to act very quickly to make these uncovered areas safe for the public.
“These thefts are some of the most selfish we have ever encountered. Not only is it a danger to the public, it is also taking additional resources, time and money to replace covers and make areas safe during what are extremely difficult and challenging times as the Council does all it can during a global pandemic.
“The Council is assisting South Wales Police with its investigation, which includes the monitoring of all CCTV footage in the areas affected.”
Anyone with information about the gulley cover thefts in the Rhydyfelin and Llantwit Fardre areas overnight on Wednesday, March 17, are urged to contact South Wales Police on 101 or Cymru/Wales Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
