Three men from West Bromwich and Oldbury were today arrested on suspicion of theft after metal drain covers were stolen in Moxley.

The men, aged 19, 20 and 33, were this afternoon helping police in Walsall with their inquiries.

They were arrested after drain covers were stolen in the early hours of today in Glynn Avenue, Moxley.

It comes just 11 days after more than 30 drain covers were stolen by metal thieves across Moxley, Darlaston and Willenhall – leaving taxpayers with a bill of £15,000.

Thieves struck at seven streets in Moxley, stealing a total of 13 drain covers on October 16. Twenty-four hours later they hit three streets in Darlaston and seven streets in Willenhall.

Walsall Council is now working to replace the stolen manhole covers and said they should all be replaced by Friday.