Drain thieves cost taxpayers £12,840 for just £5 profit. Surely if the 10 Metropolitan Authorities apply to the Government for legislation stating that “any surface drain sewage manhole covers found on their premises without the correct documentations authorising the seller to have possession or to sell them, then the Scrap dealer will be prosecuted” Surface drain covers and sewage manhole covers are easily recognisable, by most person. Dealers know that these items are stolen, and have come into their possession through non-ethical methods.