(May 5, 2008) -- Someone is stealing LB Water Department manhole covers.

Nearly fifty of the 80-pound, cast iron covers have been stolen over the past eight weeks...and ten of them were stolen in one day alone last week, the Water Dept. says.

SW LB has been the most heavily impacted, west of the L.A. River between Willow and Anaheim Streets.

And drivers beware: uncovered manholes can pose a safety hazard for unsuspecting vehicles and pedestrians.

The release says a single small group of people is believed to be removing the covers after dark using a crow bar, pick axe or the like.

The Water Dept. says that although the stolen covers cost about $500 each to replace, the thieves can likely expect only about $10 ...if a buyer is foolish enough to risk the consequences for buying property known to be stolen (a separate crime).

LB Water Dept. manhole covers carry a large "Long Beach Water Department" or "LBWD" logo etched in the center and the LB Water Dept. is working with LBPD and scrap metal dealers throughout CA so that "anyone in possession of, or caught trying to sell, said manhole covers is apprehended and prosecuted," the release says, adding:

"Anyone that witnesses other people removing manhole covers, who are not in uniform and do not have an official vehicle, should call the Long Beach Police Department or the Long Beach Water Department right away," the release says.