FIFTY iron road drain covers worth £18,000 and stolen in a single night have been recovered in a police raid.

The covers were taken from Broach Road, Brittania Gardens, Resolution Way and Discovery Road in Stourport between Tuesday and Wednesday, May 10-11.

A sharp-eyed resident spotted something amiss at about 3am, and there had been further reports of a white van in the area.

Officers executed a warrant at commercial premises on Hoobrook Industrial Estate on Thursday.

Worcestershire County Council’s highways team were due to pick up and refit the grates.

Investigations into the theft are ongoing and a number of lines of inquiry are being followed up by West Mercia Police.

Inspector Paul Crowley, of West Mercia Police, said: “Apart from the cost of replacing these drain covers, the theft of so many obviously led to safety concerns for road users.

“We would like to thank members of the public for coming forward with information.”

Across Wyre Forest, amid the ongoing push to target metal thefts, the force has launched an awareness campaign among scrap yard owners, including details of property marking.

Insp Crowley said: “The action taken is to provide scrap metal dealers with tools to help prevent them from unknowingly receiving stolen goods and also to make thieves think twice about taking stolen metal to these businesses.”

He said there would be repeat visits to scrap yards, and stop checks on scrap carrying vehicles.

Anyone with information about the thefts should call 0300 333 3000, quoting 52-S-110511, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.