HIGHWAY chiefs have hit out at thieves risking lives by stealing drain covers and road signs.

North Yorkshire County Council says that the theft of metal street furniture, which is sold for scrap, is costing taxpayers thousands every year.

In the latest incident, nine drain covers were stolen from the B1263 and B1264, near Northallerton, sometime last month.

Mike Roberts, the county council's highways maintenance manager, said the thieves were paying no regard for the safety of road users.

"They come along, lift the gully covers up and leave a hole for someone to fall down," he said.

"Similarly, roads signs are often there to mark hazards, and by removing them there is the potential for an accident.

"The thefts from near Northallerton were just the latest in a batch of incidents. "Obviously we have to make arrangements to replace the stolen items as quickly as possible."

Council officials blame organised gangs for the thefts.

Covers are being pinned down in high-risk areas.

A North Yorkshire scrap merchant, who asked not to be named, explained that the price of scrap metal had rocketed recently.

This was making the theft of road signs and metal covers an increasingly lucrative option.

"You can get around 10p a kilo for cast iron," he said.

"I would expect you could get at least £5 and probably as much as £10 for a manhole cover.

"It's easy money to people without any scruples."

The county council has begun using plastic for its road signs, instead of metal, in areas of the county where thefts are most common.

Using less valuable metals for drain covers is also being considered.

North Yorkshire Police has condemned the thefts.

A spokesman said: "This is stupid, dangerous and illegal.

"What sort of person would leave a lethal hole in the road? Whoever steals these items must take them somewhere to sell.

"We would like to think that these people would do the responsible thing and call the police as soon as possible."

Similar thefts have been reported in recent months in County Durham.

Anyone who witnesses the theft of street furniture can call North Yorkshire Police on (0845) 6060247.