By Jane Han
Staff Reporter

Hauling 50 kilograms of iron barehanded isn't easy. But with scrap iron prices hitting record highs, stealing manhole covers ― or anything made out of metal ― has almost become a trend among thieves around the world.

Locally, LPG canisters, wrought iron tree guards, steel gates and farm machinery parts have been disappearing since early this year, when scrap iron prices suddenly surged on rising demand and limited supplies.

The international price of scrap iron, which was once considered close to rubbish, rose by almost 40 percent last year, and hiked more than 70 percent just this year, according to market data.

The growing use of scrap by European and Japanese steel makers to cut down greenhouse gas emissions is one of few reasons why the previously not-so-precious metal is sought out so much. Scrap emits significantly less carbon dioxide than iron ore in steel production.

``The global shortage has triggered financially pressed individuals to go after these public properties,'' said Huh Chan-kook, a senior economist at the Korea Economic Research Institute. ``The interesting thing is that the situation is happening all over the world.''

The Los Angeles Times reported early this month that more than 50 manhole covers were stolen in the Long Beach area over the past eight months. The same or even worse persisted in Chicago and Philadelphia, where an average of 100-150 covers went missing each month.

In China, the scale was incidentally much larger, as about 20,000 covers were removed day and night annually, while some 10,000 were stolen in Colombia.

Likewise, state authorities in the Canada, the United Kingdom and other European countries have also cited similar concerns regarding stolen public properties.

Despite the heavy-duty job, however, the returns aren't so rewarding, police say.

In Korea, a recycling center buys metal items for 250 won per kilogram and stainless steel for 1,800 won per kilogram. In the United States, scrap metal parts can be cashed in for $15 to $20 for each 20 to 50 kilogram cover.

Rough estimates show that the total damage from stolen properties amount to millions of dollars.

jhan@koreatimes.co.kr