CARY — An unknown person or persons has been stealing stormwater grates from commercial parking lots in Cary –10 this year alone.

This makes 30 missing grates since July 2012 with no suspects and no arrests, though the investigation is ongoing.

The iron grates can weigh upwards of 100 lbs. and serve to prevent unwanted objects or people from falling into stormwater drains which can be several feet deep.

“Thankfully, we’ve had no reports of injuries or property damage, but missing stormwater grates pose a threat to pedestrians, cyclists and drivers alike,” said Lt. Steve Fonke of Cary’s Criminal Investigations Unit. “We encourage citizens to be on the lookout for suspicious activity and to call 919-469-4012 to report a missing grate.”

Anyone with information should contact the Town of Cary Police Department or Cary Crime Stoppers at 919-226-2746.

Crime Stoppers pays up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest or indictment of those responsible for committing certain types of crimes. All calls will be kept confidential at the caller’s request.