Stormwater grates stolen from Manukau streets

Manukau residents are being asked to help catch thieves who are stealing stormwater grates from the city’s streets.

About 300 of the 20kg cast iron grates have been stolen since July, costing ratepayers more than $100,000. It is believed that thieves may be attempting to sell the grates to scrap metal dealers.

Manukau City Council Transportation Group Manager Chris Freke says residents are being asked to keep an eye on their street and report any stolen grates to police.

“If people see any grates being stolen they should note the vehicle registration number and take photos if possible to help police track down the thieves.

“Scrap metal dealers have been warned about the thefts, so selling the grates would be difficult.

“Any missing grates have to be replaced immediately because uncovered catchpits are a danger to people using the road or footpath. Cyclists or vehicles parking close to the kerb could drop a wheel in them or children could fall in them,” Mr Freke says.

The council is changing how new grates are installed to make them more difficult to steal. However this is only done as grates are replaced because of the high cost of changing all 20,000 grates in the city.

The thefts mean that the council’s budget for road drainage maintenance is largely being spent on replacing stormwater grates and other maintenance has to be delayed.