Chinese officials have taken an unusual step in the fight against scrap metal thieves by starting to fit their manholes with GPS tracking devices . Councils across the country are rushing to snap up the new high-tech manhole covers as they try to curb the theft of the old , low-tech versions , according to the People 's Daily Online . The seemingly drastic measure was taken after previous anti-theft measures - chaining the manhole covers to street lamps - left officials red-faced , turning for sale in various places around the world . High tech : The new manhole covers are fitted with tracking devices to help authorities find the thieves . Problem : More than 240,000 manholes were stolen in Beijing over a 10 year period , thanks to metal values . The chains also proved unpopular , with many pointing out they could easily be cut , and were dangerous for people walking along the street . One man has even demanded compensation after falling flat on his face , thanks to the chain . It is hoped these new covers , which were developed by a Chinese tech company , will not only put would-be thieves off stealing the items , but also help track those who do give into temptation . The covers , along with drain grills , can fetch high prices on the black market , as the price of scrap metal has spiraled in recent years . It has been estimated that more than 240,000 manhole covers were stolen from Beijing 's streets in the 10 years to 2013 alone . Measures : Previous attempts at curbing thefts - like tying the manholes to lamp posts - have not worked . The new covers , designed to have shock absorption and noise reduction features , are made out of a metal with a far lower value , as a further deterrent . A test batch of 100 smart manhole covers will be placed on streets in the city of Hangzhou this month , and - if it is a success - they will be added throughout the city . But it is not just about the money . Officials have revealed there is a safety concern motivating their purchases as well , as people could trip on an upturned manhole . Tao Xiaomin , of Hangzhou urban management office , explained : 'When a cover is moved and the tilt angle is greater than 15 degrees , the tag will send an alarm signal to us . '
New high - tech companies hope to curb the spread of thefts on China 's streets . More than 1000 manhole covers stolen in Beijing over a 10-year period . Authorities previously tried chaining them to lamp posts to prevent thefts . But people dismiss the idea as ' stupid ' because they just cut the chains .