FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STORM DRAIN GRATE THEFTS
Date: August 3, 2011
Released by:
· Gary Franks, Stormwater and Wastewater Operations Supervisor
· 360.753.8333
The City of Olympia is asking for the public’s help to stop a theft that has cost the City thousands of dollars and potentially created hazards for residents. Over the past three weeks, approximately 20 storm drain grates and manhole covers have been stolen from city streets and sidewalks, primarily in the southeast section of Olympia.
Rich Hoey, Interim Public Works Director, says that the City’s biggest concern is the potential danger of having an open storm drain or manhole on a public street or sidewalk.
Storm drain grates and manhole covers can weigh between 100 and 150 pounds, depending on where they are located, and each costs the city as much as $175 to replace. In addition, replacing the stolen grates interferes with City crews’ workload, and oftentimes requires crews to work after hours, creating unnecessary overtime costs.
The City has also experienced a rash of stolen tree grates this summer. If you notice a missing manhole cover, tree grate, or storm drain grate, please report it immediately to Public Works dispatch, at 360.753.8333.
Residents are reminded that any official work on neighborhood streets and sidewalks is done by city crews in clearly marked vehicles. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity; if you see someone that you believe is either suspicious or actually involved in stealing a manhole cover, please dial 911 immediately. Try to obtain any vehicle description or license plate number along with a basic physical description of the involved parties.
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