Metal thieves endanger lives of people for $20

  We thought some local thieves had reached a new low when they started desecrating graves to enrich themselves, but they have became a public danger too.

  Last month, it was reported that vases at grave sites in Desert Lawn Memorial Park in Yuma were being stolen. The vases are made of copper and are used by the loved ones of the deceased to put flowers on the grave.

  It is believed they were taken by thieves seeking to sell them as scrap metal. "The price of metal is high and it is lucrative for thieves to sell them," noted James Gibson, the marketing manager at Desert Lawn, who said it was a nationwide problem.

  Now news comes from San Luis, Ariz. that metal thieves have targeted manhole covers there.

  During the past month, more than two dozen manhole covers and water valve covers have disappeared in the border town. A check with Yuma officials revealed that four manhole covers have also disappeared in the city in the past two months.

  This is a very dangerous situation.

  For the $15 or $20 thieves get for the heavy metal covers - probably from scrap metal dealers across the border - they put the lives of people at risk. Someone walking into an open manhole would likely be seriously injured or perhaps killed. If they fell in, they probably could not get out again without help.

  Even if it did not cause bodily injury, a vehicle driving into one of the open holes would likely be heavily damaged, requiring expensive repairs.

  The possibility of this happening is even greater in San Luis because they are being taken from rural areas without street lights. Thieves use the cover of darkness to steal the covers.

  It is a difficult crime to prevent, although Yuma and San Luis law enforcement officials have sought the help of Mexican police in dealing with the issue. The San Luis Police Department is also doing night patrols in an effort to stem the thefts and protect the public.

  Relying on the consciences of the thieves won't work since they clearly don't have any.

  San Luis is looking at what may be the ultimate answer - non-metal covers made of fiberglass. Unless the price of fiberglass goes up they would probably be safe from theft.