CHARLESTON (AP) -- Thieves looking for a fast buck are increasingly hitting the road across South Carolina -- and the boulevard, the highway and even the interstate freeway.
The Post and Courier of Charleston reports that thieves are plundering roads across the state for items that can be sold to scrap metal dealers.
In the Upstate, more than 100 storm-drain grates were stolen from Interstate 85 and U.S. 276.
Work on Interstate 26 was briefly delayed after thieves made off with steel rods and metal supports for road signs.
Earl Capps, spokesman for road contractor U.S. Group, says he's never seen thefts this bad in the industry before.
Authorities hope a new law that requires a permit to transport, sell or buy scrap metal will help curtail the problem.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWACH