Saint Paul Public Works Addressing Ongoing Vandalism to Storm Sewer Drains
More than 150 storm drains in Saint Paul have been removed since early June
SAINT PAUL, MN (June 26, 2025) – The City of Saint Paul’s Public Works Department is actively addressing unusual and repeated vandalism of storm sewer drains that has affected more than 150 catch basins across Saint Paul. Public Works has received multiple reports of unknown persons removing storm drain sewer grates and then dropping the grates into the storm drains. This dangerous behavior leaves an open hole and poses significant public safety hazards to pedestrians, bikes, and vehicles in the neighborhoods.
“This malicious behavior is unacceptable and extremely dangerous to everyone, including drivers, walkers, and bikers,” said Saint Public Works Director, Sean Kershaw. “We’re asking for the public’s help to keep a watchful eye on their neighborhoods and report any issues or suspicious behaviors to the police and also immediately report any open storm sewers to Public Works.”
Saint Paul Public Works is asking the public for their help by keeping their watchful eyes on neighborhood storm drains this summer.
If you observe someone actively removing a storm drain grate;
Call 911 to report the incident to the Saint Paul Police Department. Provide detailed information, including the location and any descriptions of the individuals involved.
To report missing grates or other storm drain damage:
Call Public Works Sewer Maintenance at 651-266-9850 during weekday business hours. After hours or on weekends, please call 651-266-9700 and leave a detailed message of the location.
If there are storm drains missing or damaged in your neighborhood, please check any private video footage to see if you caught photos of individuals removing the storm drain grates or doing other acts of vandalism. Please provide any footage to the police department.
Initial reports of vandalism to storm sewer grates started in early June, and the vandalism has increased and spread to several neighborhoods across the city, including West Side, Frogtown, Summit Hill, Downtown, and the East Side.
Saint Paul Public Works is responding to all reports of open storm sewers or vandalism and replacing storm drains as quickly as possible.
Removal of storm drain grates and utility (manhole) covers is an illegal and dangerous activity that poses immediate public safety threat to everyone nearby. Storm sewer grates weigh greater than 150-pounds. People can be injured if they try to remove or lift the grates without proper equipment.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lisa Hiebert, APR
City of Saint Paul, Public Works Department