Grates, manhole covers stolen in Saugus

SAUGUS – Department of Public Works Director Joe Attubato is asking Saugus residents to keep an eye out for missing manhole covers and catch basin grates around town.Attubato said someone made off with two catch basin grates, one on Pierce Memorial Drive and one at the corner of Zito Drive and Forest Street, along with a manhole cover on Spring Street last week.?If people don?t report it right away when they see something, somebody could be seriously injured,” said Attubato. “A kid could fall in it. That?s how wide it is.”According to Attubato, people looking to make a quick buck will sell the heavy cast iron covers at scrap metal yards but, he said, the amount of work it takes to pry off a catch basin grate doesn?t seem worth it.?It?s heavy work and they have to be desperate to be doing that,” said Attubato. “The people at the metal companies should be aware of that. When they see something like that coming in, that means it was stolen. I don?t know why they give them any money. They should call the police right away.”Attubato said it costs the town “a couple of hundred bucks” to replace the missing grates.Town Manager Andrew Bisignani said more than a dozen manhole covers and catch basin grates have been stolen over the last several months, which creates a hazard for people walking or driving.?It?s a very dangerous situation,” said Bisignani. “People can fall into them, not to mention cars driving over them. What really exasperates the situation is when they?re not reported.”Saugus is no stranger to scrap metal thieves. In June, Stephen Carlson, Chairman of the Saugus Historical Commission, asked for help in tracking down missing cast iron historical placards. And, two years ago, thieves made off with more than 700 flag holders placed at veterans? grave sites throughout Saugus.Attubato said there isn?t much the town can do to stop the thefts, but said he spoke to police about the situation.?I just called the police chief and told him to keep the cruisers aware of what?s going on,” said Attubato.Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected]. You can follow him on Twitter @MattTempesta.