Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Wednesday, October 12, 2011
(FORT WAYNE) (AP) - Nearly 100 sewer grates or manhole covers have been taken from Fort Wayne’s streets in recent months by thieves apparently looking to sell them as scrap metal.
City utility workers have been finding the thefts since March. They've replaced all the covers or grates, but it can cost up to $2,200 to repair each site, including digging up under the road to replace the supporting structure.
Police Capt. Paul Smith tells The Journal Gazette that the items are made of cast iron and likely are being broken up and then sold.
The manhole covers can weigh up to 160 pounds. City utilities spokesman Jeff Morris says preventing such thefts is difficult, given that the city has more than 100,000 grates and manhole covers.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.