SCRAP metal thieves are putting lives at risk and costing taxpayers thousands of pounds by stealing manhole covers from streets.

Glasgow council bosses are facing a bill of thousands of pounds after more than 250 items of street ironwork had to be replaced in the last financial year.

And today they warned someone could be seriously injured if they fell down one of the uncovered holes. The holes also pose a major risk to cyclist and bikers.

A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: "Theft or damage to manhole covers is an irresponsible crime that can put lives at risk – it carries a cost of thousands to taxpayers each year.

"We would urge anyone who sees suspicious activity near a manhole to call the police."

Meanwhile, in the last year, West Dunbartonshire Council has forked out £24,000 replacing stolen manhole covers.

Councillor David McBride, convener of neighbourhood services, branded the thieves a "disgrace."

He said: "Their actions are putting road users at risk and also costing the council thousands of pounds that would be better spent on improving the road network.

"Manhole covers, gully grates, road signs and lighting cables are being taken from all over West Dunbartonshire and we need the community's help to tackle this.

"The usual method for thieves when stealing ironwork is to lift a small number from one street in minutes, then drive off to another location and lift some more.

"This is often, but not always, carried out at night."

More than 30 manhole covers were stolen from streets in West Dunbartonshire in the last year.

Around 116 gully covers and 75 pieces of footway ironwork were also nabbed by scrap metal thieves.

West Dunbartonshire also warned about the major risk of electrocution involved when stealing potentially live street light cables.

This type of theft cost the local authority an additional £12,000 last year.

Council bosses are encouraging residents who notice missing ironwork, road signs or cabling to call the roads department on 01389 737631.

rebecca.gray@ eveningtimes.co.uk