Manhole Intrusions Spread to Long Island as NYC Sewer Scavenging Trend Escalates

Key points

• Nassau County police investigated a report of five men entering a manhole at the intersection of Wantagh and Jerusalem avenues in Wantagh, Long Island, at approximately 1:15 a.m. on August 28, 2026.
• Surveillance video obtained by ABC7 and referenced by other outlets showed the group opening the cover, descending into the sewer, and replacing the cover before disappearing.
• Police and firefighters searched the sewer system but found no one inside; no arrests have been made in this or related incidents.
• The Wantagh incident follows a viral TikTok video from August 18 showing three individuals, some wearing headlamps and overalls, emerging from a manhole near West 31st Street and Seventh Avenue in Manhattan.
• Earlier incidents in May involved groups of seven or eight people entering manholes in Gravesend and Williamsburg, Brooklyn, with some emerging hours later.
• The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) stated that entering the sewer system is illegal and hazardous, citing risks of noxious gases, unstable surfaces, and flooding.

Background

This trend of manhole intrusions has been escalating since May 2026. Earlier this year, isolated incidents in Brooklyn were reported, but the frequency has increased significantly in the summer. The NYPD and DEP have noted that while prior incidents were rare, the current wave appears to be a coordinated or repeated behavior pattern, possibly linked to scavenging for items lost in the sewer system. The city has over 7,400 miles of underground sewer pipes, and the DEP has confirmed that the infrastructure itself remains safe despite the intrusions.

How outlets are covering it

Gothamist and Newsday emphasize the mystery surrounding the motive, noting that police are unsure why individuals are entering the sewers. ABC7 highlights the community concern in Wantagh, with residents expressing worry about the safety and intentions of the intruders. The New York Post frames the incidents as 'mole people' activity, linking the Long Island event directly to the viral Manhattan video. All sources agree that no arrests have been made, but they differ in their emphasis: Gothamist and Newsday focus on the official investigation and safety warnings, while ABC7 and the New York Post highlight the visual evidence and public reaction. The NYPD and DEP maintain a consistent stance that the activity is illegal and dangerous, regardless of the motive.

Why it matters

These incidents raise significant public safety concerns due to the hazardous conditions in the sewer system, including toxic gases and flooding risks. The spread of the activity from NYC to Long Island suggests a broader trend that may require increased surveillance and enforcement. Additionally, the lack of arrests and unclear motives create uncertainty for both law enforcement and the public, potentially leading to further incidents if the behavior is not deterred.

What to watch

Police in both Nassau County and NYC are continuing their investigations, utilizing surveillance footage and facial recognition technology to identify suspects. The DEP is expected to monitor the sewer infrastructure for any damage or safety issues. Public awareness campaigns may be launched to discourage further intrusions, and law enforcement may increase patrols in areas where manhole incidents have occurred.