The deputy leader says the thefts pose a 'serious risk' to the public.
The theft of drain covers in parts of York has been described as a "dangerous act of vandalism" by a leading councillor.
Deputy leader Andy D'Agorne said 18 covers had been removed from the South Bank area over several days.North Yorkshire Police said the thefts had been reported and that they created "a safety issue" for pedestrians, motorists and cyclists. Mr D'Agorne said council teams were working to replace the covers and to make them safe, according to the"Drain cover thefts are a dangerous act of vandalism because they leave large holes in the road," he said.
"Not only do these pose a serious risk to the public, it also costs the council significant amounts of money and resource to replace.""This type of crime doesn't just have a cost implication to the taxpayer, it also creates a safety issue for pedestrians, motorists and cyclists," he added.Follow BBC Yorkshire on