Two Robin Road men were caught in the act of stealing iron storm grates from along township streets Jan. 23, according to township police.
Nicholas Linker, 18, and a 17-year-old man were arrested by township police who had stepped up patrols following numerous reports of stolen metal grates and dumpsters throughout the township.
At 1:18 p.m., police on extra patrols in the area of Meadowbrook Drive reportedly saw a pickup truck matching the description of one that may have been used in the reported thefts. Patrols temporarily lost sight of the vehicle but a short time later saw the truck parked at the intersection of Williamsburg and Aspen drives with the two men removing a metal storm grate and loading it into the truck, police said. The pair was taken into custody.
Police said the investigation pointed to the two men as responsible for numerous storm grate thefts throughout the township and the reported two thefts of metal dumpsters located behind the Hillsborough Plaza.
The juvenile was released to the custody of his parents. Mr. Linker was released on his own recognizance. Numerous charges are pending screening by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office for further charges. The case is still under investigation.
Police reported Jan. 18 that they had investigated many reports of stolen storm water grates in the township. More than a dozen grates had been taken, they said.
The grates weigh upwards of 200 pounds. They prevent large objects from passing into the storm sewer system, and, ultimately, to streams. They are only held in place by their weight and likely are lifted or pried out.
Jake Fiedler, general manager at M&A Recycling on Old Camplain Road, said the grates bring about $15 for each 100 pounds.

