Flint: Thieves making off with manhole covers

FLINT, Mich. (AP) - City officials in Flint say they've had to replace hundreds of manhole covers and grates that likely were stolen and sold for scrap.

The Flint Journal reports Monday that nearly 400 covers and grates have been taken from the city's streets during the past year. A cover can fetch $20 from a scrap yard but can cost the city more than $200 to replace.

Officials in neighboring Burton say they've lost about 200 covers and grates in the past year. Utilities supervisor Mike Holzer said it creates a "huge hazard," leaving behind holes as deep as 35 feet.

Genesee County officials say they've been able to reduce thefts of county-owned covers by outfitting them with a one-of-a-kind bolt that can only be turned by a wrench only they have.