The recent proliferation of storm grate thefts in metro Atlanta brings attention to what is a dangerous and potentially deadly situation. This is not limited to the Atlanta area; it’s a rampant statewide pattern of thefts.
Thousands of grates have been stolen over the past year, taxing Georgia Department of Transportation resources. The replacement cost for each grate exceeds $650, and more than 600 have been stolen just in the Atlanta area since January. Replacing missing grates requires extensive time from our maintenance staff and delays other needed work such as pavement repair, sign replacement and debris removal.
Criminal investigators with the department have worked side by side with local law enforcement agencies to catch the drain thieves in action or when selling the metal. Despite many hours put into investigations, following leads and interviewing potential witnesses, no grate theft suspects have been apprehended so far. We continue to work with law enforcement on these thefts, and hope the perpetrators will be caught and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
In 2010, our standard policy was revised to include a secure chain attachment on all new grate installations, as well as the stamping of the Georgia DOT logo into the grate frame. These practices have been beneficial, and thefts of grates installed under the 2010 policy are few and far between. However, there are tens of thousands of grates along our transportation system that were installed prior to 2010, and no anti-theft precautions were part of the prior installation policy.
A retrofit of existing grates is underway at a potential cost of thousands of taxpayer dollars — funds that could and should be spent on much-needed transportation projects. The expense of retrofitting an individual grate is $150, requires a team to complete and, when multiplied by the thousands of grates across our highways, causes a substantial impact to the department’s maintenance budgets.
Grate theft also creates a significant hazard along the roadways. The opening that’s left is a serious danger to motorists, pedestrians, emergency response workers and the GDOT crew that must be on the road to replace them.
Storm grates and the drains they cover are a vital part of our road design, the primary means of clearing water from pavement surfaces. Without proper grates, the drainage pipes below are subject to filling with large debris, creating clogs. Additionally, the temporary covers that must be installed to close gaping holes hinder proper water drainage during storms, which can contribute to flash flooding along roadways.
Criminals and thieves may get a quick dollar for the storm grates, but remember, they are not just stealing from GDOT; they are stealing from you, your family and your friends and neighbors, and putting all our lives at risk. Please report anyone, or any company, stealing our roadway grates. The life you save may be yours.
