Drain Robbery

In the early morning hours Nov. 3, thieves lifted 10 storm drain covers from Swampscott streets. 

The thefts left gaping holes putting walkers and drivers at risk of serious injury, said Det. Tim Cassidy.

Resident Domenic Potenzone noticed a missing cover on Palmer Road this weekend. 

“I think it’s horrible,” he said this morning.

He was out walking with his wife and their dog, Little Betsy, by Phillips Beach.

He said was puzzled by the rationale for taking them but then concluded there must be a market for the covers — similar to the auto body shops that trade in stolen car parts.

“There’s got to be a midnight sewer manhole cover person (buying) them,” he said.

Det. Cassidy said thieves take the covers and sell them for their metal value.

“Revere, Malden, Saugus and Lynn are all reporting similar incidents,” he said. 

Police say it may take two people to lift the covers.

Covers typically weigh about 250 pounds, according to Ask.com.

The covers are expensive to replace, costing towns several hundred dollars apiece.

Swampscott streets targeted were Fuller Ave, Pine Hill Road, Beverly Road, Shelton Road, Bradlee Ave, Phillips Ave and Harrison Ave. 

Cassidy said “someone could be seriously injured if they drove in or fell in” to a strom drain.

Public Works placed a saw horse at the Palmer Road location marking the hazard.

The hole was a couple of feet deep.

Swampscott police are asking for the public’s help catching the thieves.

Residents are encouraged to call Swampscott PD if they see or hear any suspicious activity around their homes, police said.

The telephone number for the police department is 781-595-1111.