Van pair arrested over thefts of city drainage covers

A police officer was on routine patrols in the Churwell Hill area when he came across a white Transit-style van. When he pulled up alongside it three men jumped out and ran off into the Cottingley estate.

Inside the van were four Leeds City Council marked drainage grates along with a metal waste bin.

Following inquiries, a 19-year-old man from Holbeck and a 20-year-old man from East End Park were both arrested on suspicion of theft, going equipped to steal, and driving while disqualified.

They have since been bailed and inquiries continue. The van, which was found to be on false plates but was not stolen, is undergoing forensic tests.

Policing Teams within the city and Holbeck Division have been working hard to curb a recent rise in the theft of drainage grates, which is believed to be linked to rising scrap metal prices.

Efforts include increasing patrols in hot-spot areas and working closely with scrap metal dealers across the district and its borders to identify anyone suspected of trying to weigh in the grates for quick cash.

Chief Inspector Roger Essell who is responsible for Neighbourhood Policing Teams within the City and Holbeck Division said: "Our priority is keeping our communities safe.

"These thefts pose an obvious safety risk and danger to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, so we're working hard to put a stop to them.

"We've made a number of arrests in recent weeks as part of these efforts, and we always welcome any information from the public about who is responsible."

Anyone with information about drainage grate thefts is asked to contact their local Neighbourhood Policing Team via 0845 6060606.