“It’s not a matter of if you lose a finger, it’s when,” Moore said.
For the danger, the thieves will likely receive little money upon re-sale. While they cost the city and taxpayers $128 to replace due to the precision engineering that goes into making the grates, the metal averages about $20 at the scrap yard.
“They’re heavy. They give you some weight,” Moore said. “I would think it would not be very difficult to pile these in a bunch of other junk and sell the whole load rather than separate it out.”
Shauhauna Owens, who lives near where a grate was stolen on Mavor Street, said the thefts hardly seem worth it.
“You’re stealing from people. You’re stealing from the city and it’s just not right,” she said. “It’s not worth going to jail if you get caught.”
The missing grates also cause a hazard to motorists, bicyclists and animals who can get stuck in the open basin. Moore said anyone who witnesses a theft should call police.
“If they can get a license plate, that’s great. That is how we were able to catch the last person (who) did this,” Moore said.
To report a missing grate in your area, call the Service Department at (937) 525-5800.
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