New York City Police Probe Videos of Men Entering, Exiting Sewer System for Valuables

New York City police are investigating a series of incidents captured on surveillance footage, depicting groups of men entering and emerging from the city's sewer network across Brooklyn and Queens. US media, citing police sources, suggest the individuals are engaged in 'treasure hunting', seeking valuables underground.

One video shows several men removing a manhole cover before descending into the sewer, only to reappear hours later. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a stark warning regarding the hazards involved. A DEP spokesperson stated, "Entering the sewer system is both illegal and extremely dangerous."

The spokesperson elaborated on the risks: "Sewers can contain numerous hazards, including noxious and potentially deadly gases, unstable surfaces, flooding risks, and confined spaces. For these reasons, members of the public should never enter a pipe, drain, catch basin, manhole, or outfall."

Last week, police received reports of unidentified individuals removing manhole covers and entering the system. The New York Police Department confirmed that the individuals subsequently fled in an unknown vehicle, with no injuries reported. The investigation remains ongoing, and no arrests have been made.

Police sources indicate the men, if apprehended, could face burglary charges for their activities.