A spate of drain cover thefts by thieves hoping to capitalise on scrap metal sales is putting “lives in danger”.

Haringey Council said 24 drain covers had been stolen from the borough’s streets over the past two months.

It comes as thieves across the country have taken to stealing drain covers to sell at scrap metal merchants for easy cash.

Haringey’s cabinet member for resident services and tackling inequality, Cllr Seema Chandwani, has now warned that the holes left behind by these thefts could prove fatal.

She said: “It is disgusting and completely irresponsible that thieves are potentially putting residents’ health, wellbeing and lives in danger by stealing gully covers to make extra cash.”

Town hall policymakers fear that missing grates will lead to road accidents, as well as causing blocked drains and flooding due to debris not being caught by the cover.

Haringey Council has now urged residents to contact them if they see a missing drain cover on 020 8489 1000 from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, and on 020 8489 0000 outside work hours.

The authority has asked for the exact location of any missing covers that residents notice. Useful details include a nearby door number, a lamppost identification number or junction name.

Cllr Chandwani said: “We are working with residents to fix any missing covers as a priority, as well as the police to make sure the criminals are brought to justice.

“Working together, we can ensure our roads are safe for everyone to use.”

Haringey Council said that older drain covers are more likely to be stolen, as newer designs are harder to remove.