The Hamilton City Council says the theft of more than 100 street drainage grates is endangering people's safety.
The council says there has been a rash of thefts of the cast iron catchpit grates from city streets over the past couple of months.
It says given the scale of the stealing, it appears thieves must have a market for the grates.
The council's transportation manager, Phil Consedine, says he is concerned that pedestrians, cyclists and children may fall into the uncovered catchpits and be seriously hurt.
Mr Consedine says the cost of replacing the 50 to 60 kilogram grates is also frustrating.
Scrap metal merchants have been notified of the thefts.
