A spate of drain-cover thefts in Wellington has the city council warning people to beware of open drains.
More than 30 covers have been stolen from the southern and eastern suburbs in the past week.
The council says a worldwide surge in theft for the scrapmetal market appears to have hit the capital.
Infrastructure director Stavros Michael says cyclists and cars can ride into open drains and children can fall in and drown.
In January the body of Wellington man Peter Black was found in a stormwater drain. The death appeared to be accidental.
Mr Michael says anyone who sees suspicious activity or a drain without a cover should contact police and the council.
