Bizarre Crime: 30 Manhole Covers Stolen from Metroplex Suburb

PROSPER, TX – 30 manhole covers have gone missing in a small Metroplex suburb in a perplexing and bizarre crime recently.

According to the Prosper Police Department, on June 1, 2023, the Prosper City Government reported a problem to the PD. 30 of the town's manhole covers were stolen.

It is unclear why these covers are being stolen. The majority of the covers are made from cast iron. In Texas, the average price for cast iron is $50 for every 100 pounds. Each cover weighs about 250 pounds, which would yield a maximum profit of only $4,500.

The penalty in the state of Texas for a theft of this magnitude could result in a prison sentence of two years, along with a $10,000 fine.

Police have not named any suspects.

The following is a press release from the Prosper Police Department:

The Prosper Police Department requests the assistance of the Town of Prosper, Texas Government community to help put an immediate end to the increasing number of missing stormwater manhole covers. Theft of stormwater manhole covers is a criminal offense. Thus far the Town has had thirty (30) manhole covers stolen, which aggregates this series of offenses to a Felony. At a minimum, these thefts are a State jail felony that carries with it the following punishments: • imprisonment in a state jail facility for a term of up to two years, • and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Depending upon other circumstances, these punishments can be increased to higher-level felony penalties. In addition, these acts present substantial safety concerns for our community as unsuspecting pedestrians and vehicular traffic are imperiled by these unsecured openings. We implore all residents to take this matter seriously and actively participate in ensuring the safety of pedestrians, vehicular traffic, and maintaining the integrity of our stormwater system. If you have any information regarding missing manhole covers or witness any suspicious activity, we urge you to report it immediately. If you catch someone in the act, call 9-1-1 immediately. To report stolen manhole covers, call the non-emergency number at 972-569-1000 or by using the myProsper app.