News - An elusive thief dubbed the 'Great Drain Robber' is targeting a San Francisco neighborhood.

In a puzzling series of nighttime thefts, residents of San Francisco's Bernal Heights are grappling with an unusual and persistent crime: the removal of their sewer drain covers. This peculiar case has left homeowners concerned over safety risks and the costs associated with replacing these critical infrastructure pieces. The thefts have been brazen and swift, as illustrated by resident Jessica Lipnack, who captured a thief in action through her Ring camera, expertly removing each cover in just seconds. The bizarre crime spree has turned cautious homeowners into makeshift security officials, regularly checking to ensure their drain covers remain untouched. Manny Ureno, a vigilant resident, expressed relief that his property had been spared thus far. Elsewhere, Doris Ruiz Hidalgo shared footage of the thief approaching her property, only to retreat when he spotted the surveillance device aimed at him, though her neighbor's cover vanished soon after. Residents have become increasingly creative in their fight against potential hazard and liability, turning to unique temporary fixes—upside-down cones and makeshift lids made from heavy rocks and plastic—to protect pedestrians from uncovered drains. Sheila Smith, alongside others, voiced concerns over the dangers posed by these missing covers. The city's laws place the responsibility of replacement on homeowners, as per Rachel Gordon of San Francisco Public Works. Despite the city's efforts to address these issues without imposing fines, inspectors have begun issuing notices to encourage prompt action. Still, without arrests and ongoing thefts, the atmosphere in the neighborhood remains tense. Peter Wiley and his neighbors have dubbed the mysterious suspect the 'Great Drain Robber,' a moniker reflecting both the audacity and frequency of these thefts. They maintain a vigilant watch over their properties, hoping for a breakthrough in the police investigation to bring this peculiar crime wave to an end.