20 Storm Drain Grates Stolen In Vallejo

VALLEJO, Calif. (AP) -- Storm drain grates in Vallejo have apparently become the latest targets of metal thieves.

City officials say nearly 20 grates have been stolen over the past several weeks, some weighing more than 100 pounds.

The grates cover catch basins that take water to the bay and leave behind dangerous holes as deep as 15 feet when they are taken.

Vallejo Sanitation and Flood Control District spokeswoman Jennifer Kaiser tells KCBS each grate costs about $300 to replace. The city is so far out about $6,000 as a result of the thefts.

Kaiser said the grates have no identifying marks, making them hard to trace.