Thefts of storm grates from Knoxville streets on the rise

Thefts of storm grates from Knoxville streets on the rise

By JOSH AULT
6 News Reporter

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- If you're driving down the streets of Knoxville, you may notice something disturbing. Someone is stealing storm drains throughout the city.

In the past two weeks, the number of stolen drains has jumped dramatically.

It's not uncommon for an occasional storm drain to disappear, but when more than 10 vanish in just two weeks, it gets Knoxville city officials concerned.

"There were a number of grates stolen from a private shopping center off Broadway," said Public Service Director David Brace,

In addition to the eight stolen at the shopping center, three others were stolen elsewhere.

Storm drains come in different sizes and weights. It's not easy to steal them. They are very heavy.

"They are challenging to get out," said Brace. "You risk back injury getting those out."

Because of their weight, most storm drains are not permanently secured.

"We don't want them so secure our crews can't do the maintenance they need to do," Brace explained.

He says the stolen steel is probably being taken to recycling centers.

Christina Perry at Mayberry Metals says her company works hard at preventing stolen metals from getting processed.

"We fingerprint [the people who sell metal] and we take their license from them," she said.

Perry adds that Mayberry works closely with law enforcement in convicting thieves.

Many times, crooks will dismantle the storm drains so recycling centers can't recognize what has been brought in.

"These grates are expensive," Brace said.

And that's a big reason why the city needs you to keep an eye out for anyone stealing one.

Perry says people with fake IDs are a huge problem for Mayberry Metals in tracking down who is bringing in stolen goods.

If you have any information, you're ask to contact the Knoxville Police Department's crime hotline at (865) 215-7212.