516 Sewer Grates Stolen From Streets in Houston

Somebody has stolen 516 storm sewer grates from streets throughout Houston since March 1, and the number is increasing, officials report.

No motive has been established for the thefts, but officials say it will cost more than $17,000 to replace the grates, which weigh from 70 to 100 pounds. They probably would bring less than $4 each as scrap metal at junkyards, officials said.