A spate of thefts including manhole covers and even street-name signs are endangering lives, warn Council highways bosses and police.

In the last week several pieces of ironwork as well as aluminium street-name plates and an electricity switching box have been stolen from roads across south and west Bradford.

Removing manholes in particular could cause a major hazard and it is believed that the same gang is responsible for the spate of thefts.

Darren Badrock, Bradford Council’s principal engineer in the major maintenance department, said: “Removing these objects creates a danger to the public. Anyone thinking of doing this should consider the consequences.

“It is dangerous. All it takes is for a vehicle or child to fall down one of these things and we are looking at serious injuries or a fatality.”

He said one of the locations was at the back of Mayfield Avenue in Wyke where a manhole cover and three gully covers were stolen. But as the road is unadopted, it is the residents’ responsibility to replace the missing ironwork, which could cost up to £800 in total.

In the meantime the Council has made the road safe with temporary concrete covers.

Inspector Osman Khan, of Tong and Wyke Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Not only is this theft but the people who are stealing these covers are potentially endangering lives.”

Last month the Telegraph & Argus reported that hundreds of gully covers had been stolen across the district. A total of 210 gully covers were taken, which cost the Council £60,000 to make safe then replace.

There were 87 stolen in Keighley and Ilkley, 73 in south Bradford, 42 in west Bradford, and eight in north Bradford.

Anyone with information about the thefts or who sees such items being removed should report it to the police by calling (01274) 376625.

If people see an exposed gulley or manhole cover they can report it to the Council on (01274) 431000 so it can be made safe.