Storm Drain Grates Go Missing in Rosemont

It seems like a lot of work for a few bucks.

Sacramento County officials say a number of metal storm drain grates have gone missing in Rosemont, and they're assuming the stolen grates are being sold for scrap.

Diane Margetts, a spokeswoman for the Sacramento County Department of Water Resources, said the county is still gathering information.

"It's becoming a problem," Margetts said by phone. "We're not really altogether sure why. They're just not that valuable."

Margetts said county staff have estimated that a recycling yard would pay around 15 cents a pound for a storm drain grate.

"Maybe they're thinking they're a material they're not," Margetts said.

She said the theft creates a nuisance for the county, and added that similar incidents have been reported in the city of Sacramento.

"We'll have to replace them for sure, but I don't know time frame," she said.

Margetts encouraged residents who notice a missing storm drain grate to call 916-875-RAIN (7246).