Laneway theft grates

BELGRAVE shoppers are being asked to watch out for suspicious behaviour following the recent theft of three stainless steel drain grates valued at almost $2000.
Shire of Yarra Ranges councillor Samantha Dunn said the grates were stolen from a recently upgraded laneway in Belgrave’s main street late last month.
She said the theft was both ‘enormously disappointing’ and dangerous.
“Someone could have easily broken an ankle if they had stepped into one of the drains,” she said.
The shire has been forced to temporarily close off the laneway until the grates can be replaced, which shire spokesman James Martin said should be by 11 July.
Cr Dunn said the laneway provides ramp access from the car park behind the high side of the main street.
“It’s one of those senseless, mindless acts,” she said.
Cr Dunn said the cost to replace the grates could be as much as $1900.
She said the funds would be taken from the asset management budget.
“This is an inconvenience to people and costs money that could otherwise be used on other activities of community benefit,” she said.
Cr Dunn said the replacement drains would lock in place to prevent a similar incident in the future.
She said the attacks appeared to be planned rather than random, and believes those responsible may have sold the grates as scrap steel.