Kent Police are looking for the thief who stole more than 40 manhole and storm drain covers in the past month.

The covers were stolen from several Kent neighborhoods and nearby businesses. City of Kent Photos Stolen Storm Drains, Manhole Covers /2011/0226/27005512.jpg /2011/0226/27005512_640X250.jpg /2011/0226/27005512_160X63.jpg /2011/0226/27005512_240X94.jpg /2011/0226/27005512_180X70.jpg /2011/0226/27005512_300X117.jpg /2011/0226/27005512_80X31.jpg /2011/0226/27005512_120X47.jpg /2011/0226/27005512_200X78.jpg /2011/0226/27005512_60X23.jpg /2011/0226/27005512_320X125.jpg /2011/0226/27005512_90X35.jpg /2011/0226/27005512_400X156.jpg /2011/0226/27005512_40X16.jpg /2011/0226/27005512_480X188.jpg "If a car hits a storm drain or manhole with no cover over it, then it can cause significant damage to the car," Kent’s Utilities Superintendent Greg Reed said, "and also if we have pedestrians walking or even children playing they could actually fall into a 20 feet deep hole."

The grates weigh between 80-106 pounds each. While the manhole covers weigh 113 pounds.

Police believe the covers are resold for scrap metal.

The cost to replace the covers is about $127 each, plus the time for Kent crews to re-install them.

Anyone with information about the thefts are asked to contact the Kent Police Department Tip Line at 253-856-5808.