A statement from the country’s top legal and judicial bodies reminds judges that suspects can be charged with “endangering transportation” or “endangering public safety”, which have a maximum penalty of death.

Chinese authorities take the view that the theft of manhole covers “is sufficient to overturn/destroy a car or tram”, the BBC reports.

A senior official in the Chinese prosecution service said: “Manhole covers are often ignored, but they very much relate to people’s lives, personal safety and property security.

“Stealing or destroying a manhole cover cannot be just identified as committing crimes of theft or destroying property. Instead, the offenders should be given harsher punishment.”