Boston Police investigating rash of storm drain cover thefts

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) Boston police are looking for the public'shelp in solving a case of a string of robberies – but instead of purses orphones, these thieves are stealing storm drain covers.

At least 20 cast-iron grates have beenstolen from streets in neighborhoods across Boston, including Jamaica Plain,Roxbury, Hyde Park and Mattapan.

According to police, the covers havemostly been stolen Friday night into Saturday morning. Officers are askingresidents to call 911 if they see a suspicious car idling during that time.

The removal of the drain covers can berisky for walkers or drivers, especially at night, police said.

Stealing storm drain covers en-masse hashappened in multiple states over the last few years, including California, NorthCarolina and Texas, and might be stolen to be sold for scrap metal.

Anyone who has information but wishes to remain anonymous can call the CrimeStoppers tip line at 1-800-494-TIPS (8477) or text the word TIP to CRIME (27463).

Cox Media Group