Sylvania Twp. man faces sewer grates theft charge

1/20/2012

A 21-year-old Sylvania Township man has been charged with the theft of up to 40 road sewer grates in the township.

The felony theft charge was filed Wednesday in Sylvania Municipal Court against Ken James Hawk, according to township police Chief Rob Boehme.

Police said 38 of the 40 stolen grates were found at King Road Auto Parts, 9414 Angola Rd. in Holland. More than three dozen sewer grates were stolen from residential streets from October to December. Each grate weighs about 70 pounds, is worth an average of $12 in scrap metal, and costs the township $120 to replace, said Greg Huffman, public works manager for the township. The thefts were reported in subdivisions near St. James Park, near McCord Road and Bancroft Street.

To try to prevent further thefts, the township roads department began welding the grates to the frames.

Officials with King Road Auto Parts declined comment Thursday. On Friday, they released a statement, which can be viewed here.