SAUGUS — The Saugus Police Department is investigating the theft of several 300-pound sewer grates across town.
Eight sewer grates were taken from the Essex Landing property on Route 1 Tuesday, two from Essex Street, and one from the Lynnhurst Elementary School Wednesday.
“If the individual that took the eight from that property was to scrap all eight, he would probably receive about $200 total,” said Saugus Police Lt. Ronald Giorgetti. “It will cost the municipality or the corporation between $300 to $350 to replace each one.”
Giorgetti said he was unsure whether the grates stolen from Essex Landing were installed or on site to be installed. Essex Landing is a $150 million development being constructed at the former site of Route 1 Mini Golf & Batting Cages.
Each grate weighs between 300 and 350 pounds, he said.
“The concern is with these holes,” said Giorgetti. “When these people remove them, we can make an assumption for scrapping purposes, it leaves an open void that a motor vehicle or bicyclist could run into or a pedestrian who is not paying attention could walk into.
The theft of roadway coverings near a school, where children walk regularly, is especially concerning, he said.
Police are following up on leads and attempting to get hold of any video footage that could show the act. Because of the weight of the pieces, more than one person is likely involved and a truck or pickup truck was possibly used, said Giorgetti.
“I’m asking the public, if they see something suspicious on the roadway, or in the evening or in the dark and they have a concern about the activities, to contact the station,” he said.
