Storm Drain Covers Stolen in Massachusetts

Police in Braintree and Quincy, Mass., are on the lookout for thieves who have been prying iron grates out of streets and leaving storm drains open to unsuspecting bicyclists and pedestrians.

Braintree Mayor Joseph Sullivan last week warned residents to watch out for open storm drains after six covers disappeared from town streets. Since then one additional cover has been reported missing in Braintree, and police in Quincy have confirmed that they are investigating thefts of storm drain covers as well.

Braintree Police Chief Russell Jenkins told The Patriot Ledger the storm drain covers weigh about 125 pounds and fetch about $20 at scrap yards. They are a lot more expensive to replace.

He said officers are looking for suspicious vehicles capable of transporting the covers.