This takes street crime to a hole new level.
Thieves have turned to Vancouver’s roadways to make a buck, stealing 47 catch basin covers in the last four days.
The cast iron grates cost are betweenfive and six feet wide and cost about $176 to replace. Police say the gaps created in roads and lanes by the missing grates are a danger to people and pets using the roadways.
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The alarming trend has prompted the City of Vancouver to ask for the public’s help in locating any missing grates as quickly as possible.
The catch basins are located in key locations on streets and lanes in order to collect rain and runoff water and filter debris from the roadways.
The covers are made of cast iron and the assumption is they are being stolen because of their high scrap value.
Residents are asked to report missing catch basin cover locations to 604-873-7000. City crews respond to each location when they are notified the grate is missing.
The Vancouver Police Department is also investigating the thefts. Residents should report any suspicious activity in streets and lanes to the Vancouver Police Department by calling 911.
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