Wantagh Sewer Intrusion Marks First Long Island Case in NYC 'Underground Scavenging' Trend

Key points

• Five men were seen opening a manhole cover and descending into the sewer at the intersection of Wantagh Avenue and Jerusalem Avenue just after 1 a.m. on Thursday.
• Nassau County Police and the Wantagh Fire Department responded to the scene but found no one inside the sewer system during their investigation.
• The incident is part of a broader trend in New York City, where multiple groups have been spotted entering or exiting manholes in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens since May.
• City officials, including the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, warn that entering sewers is illegal and dangerous due to risks of deadly gases, flooding, and unstable surfaces.
• Police believe the individuals may be 'underground scavengers' searching for lost valuables such as jewelry or currency, though no arrests have been made in any of the recent cases.

Background

This incident follows a series of similar events in New York City, including a viral video from August 18 showing three men with headlamps emerging from a manhole near Penn Station. Earlier in the summer, groups were also spotted in Brooklyn and Queens. While prior incidents were isolated, the frequency has increased this year, prompting official warnings about the dangers of unauthorized sewer entry.

How outlets are covering it

ABC7 New York and Newsday emphasize the local impact on Long Island, noting that this may be the first such incident in Nassau County. Gothamist highlights the broader pattern in New York City, noting that police are unsure of the motive and that no arrests have been made. The New York Post frames the event as part of a 'summer of sewer diving' trend, linking it to the recent Penn Station incident. All sources agree that the individuals remain unidentified and that the motive is unclear, though city officials suspect scavenging for valuables.

Why it matters

The spread of 'underground scavenging' incidents from New York City to Long Island raises public safety concerns and highlights the risks associated with unauthorized access to sewer systems. It also underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in identifying and deterring such activities, as no arrests have been made despite multiple incidents.

What to watch

Nassau County Police and NYPD are continuing their investigations, using surveillance footage and facial recognition technology to identify the individuals involved. Authorities are expected to issue further warnings about the dangers of entering sewers and may increase patrols in areas where such incidents have occurred.