Hillsborough seeks help stopping metal thefts

The Town of Hillsborough is asking residents to be on the lookout for anyone who may be stealing manhole covers, storm grates or meter box lids.
Two manhole covers were stolen in separate incidents in January from behind Heritage Apartments in southern Hillsborough. The covers weigh about 100 to 120 pounds and are valued at an estimated $100 each. Their removal poses a safety risk because of the danger of someone falling into the holes and being injured or killed.
Late last year, steel storm grates also were stolen from around Hillsborough, with a total value of $1,900. One grate was stolen from the Kerr Drug parking lot on U.S. 70 in November, and four were stolen from College Park Drive in the Waterstone development in October.
Residents are asked to call 911 immediately if they see someone removing a manhole cover, storm grate, valve box or meter box lid who does not have a Town of Hillsborough uniform or vehicle with the town logo. Residents are asked to try to get the vehicle’s license plate number if possible.