Not A Grate Idea: 5 Men Charged With Stealing 9 Sewer Covers

NEWBURYPORT, MA — Five 21-year-old men were charged with stealing sewer grates from all across Newburyport. Authorities said the men took nine grates - and that alcohol was likely a factor in the vandalism spree.

The five men, who were not identified, were charged with nine counts of vandalism of property. One of the men is from Newburyport, two are from Salisbury, and two are from Kingston, N.H.

Newburyport Police responded around 1 a.m. to Purchase Street for a report of a group stealing a grate. An investigation led to a home on Purchase Street. Police determined the group of men in the home were responsible.

Some of the grates were dropped into the holes. Orange cones and plywood now cover them until the grates can be replaced.

The five men will be summonsed to Newburyport District Court for a show cause hearing.

Police said grates were taken from the following locations:

• Fair Street at Orange Street
• Orange Street
• Federal Street at Atwood Street
• (2) Atwood Street at Lime Street
• Lime Street at Purchase Street
• Purchase Street at Salem Street
• Purchase Street at Franklin Street
• Purchase Street at Bromfield Street

Image via shutterstock