Kingsport sees new trend in metal theft -- water meter lids.

Copperfield subdivision is the most recent scene for an unusual new trend in metal theft.

On Tuesday morning, at least 13 residents awoke to find open holes in their yards. Lids to their water meter boxes were stolen overnight.

Orange cones now stand in their place. The city's supply of replacement covers is depleted. Kingsport's Director of Public Works, Ryan McReynolds, says about 300 meter lids have been stolen in the city since September.

Just as catalytic converters have recently been targeted for their precious metals, it seems meter box covers are now hot sellers in the scrap industry. While some older lids made of wrought and cast iron have been stolen, McReynolds said the majority of thefts have been of the city's newer, aluminum covers.
So, what's the payoff for stealing water meter lids?

"What they'll do is melt it down and get about half a dollar per pound, and (meter lids) are about two or three pounds," McReynolds said. "So they're getting about a dollar, a dollar and a half per lid."

"Anything metallic that has value has been targeted the last few years; catalytic converters, scrap copper. It's raised the awareness of the valuable metals in the recycle industry. Specifically, (Public Works) has seen the (lid thefts) in just the past few months."

The city's cost for replacing meter lids is about $11 each. Until new ones arrive, workers are placing insulation in the meter boxes to fight against freezing.

"The ground around the meter box is warmer than the air temperature, so there is some warmth that comes from that," McReynolds said. "But when you take that lid off you are basically introducing that meter to the actual air temperature."

The city has also set orange cones on top of the open boxes to prevent someone from stepping inside.

"We've asked all of our workers that whenever they see a lid off -- whether it's in the water, sewer department, or public works in garbage and trash -- to make us aware of it," McReynolds said. "It's a walking hazard."

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