Binghamton Manhole Covers Vanishing

The high price of scrap metal is resulting in a rising number of manhole cover thefts in the region.

Several heavy manhole covers have disappeared in the city of Binghamton in recent days.

The Department of Public Works has been busy replacing stolen covers as they've been reported.

The thefts pose a potentially serious safety hazard for vehicles and pedestrians.

Manhole covers have been stolen on Binghamton's East Side and on the South Side.

City police late Wednesday reportedly recovered several stolen metal covers, including some that apparently had not been reported to authorities.

Other local governments in Broome and Tioga counties also have encountered more manhole cover thefts in recent months.

The problem is costly for the city, along with area villages and towns, during a time when they're facing challenges paying for essential services.