Thieves are targeting sewer gates and manhole covers as prices for scrap metal have risen, police said.
Since November, 63 covers and gates were stolen in Joliet, police told the Sun-Times. Similar thefts also recently were reported in the suburbs of Lockport, Romeoville and Shorewood.
Lockport police told the paper that a tan Dodge van was seen in parts of Lockport at the time of the some of the thefts, but officials acknowledged the incidents may not be connected.
The thefts likely happened in new subdivisions, Lockport police told the paper. Suspects may have worn construction vests in one incident.
