A strange sidewalk theft problem in San Francisco is leaving some homeowners with small holes, repair headaches, and a possible liability issue right outside their front doors.
Residents in Bernal Heights say sewer vent grates have been disappearing from sidewalks for months, according to Mission Local.
The missing covers leave behind square openings about 4 inches by 4 inches. The grates are meant to keep debris out of sewer system air vents, but once they are removed, the holes can collect garbage and create tripping hazards.
While sidewalk is public, San Francisco can still require the adjacent property owner to repair certain sidewalk problems, including missing sewer vent covers.
Security Cameras Keep Catching the Same Routine
For months, Ring cameras around Bernal Heights have captured something strange: a shadowy figure stealing sidewalk sewer vent grates.
Who is this mystery man? And why is he stealing worthless bits of metal?https://t.co/giHiCMxuXW
— Mission Local (@MLNow) July 2, 2026
Mission Local reported that residents on streets including Mullen Avenue, Brewster Street, and Montcalm Street have captured similar footage on doorbell and security cameras.
The footage reportedly shows a man arriving around 3 a.m. with a headlamp, clearing leaves from the sidewalk, loosening the cover, removing the grate, and moving on to another one.
Residents said the thefts began in early April and returned again on May 21 and June 7.
The Covers Are Not Worth Much as Scrap
The motive remains unclear. Mission Local spoke with local scrap metal businesses, including Zarc Recycling and Circosta Iron and Metal Co., which said they had not seen an increase in sewer vent covers and would not accept items that appeared to be city property or stolen.
One recycling representative told the outlet the mixed steel value would be only a few cents per pound.
At roughly 280 grams per sewer grate, Mission Local reported it would take about 32 grates to make one dollar in scrap value.
Homeowners Can Still Get Repair Notices
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San Francisco Public Works says missing sewer vent covers can create tripping hazards and collect garbage.
The agency says property owners are responsible for maintaining and repairing sidewalks under Section 706 of the Public Works Code.
Mission Local reported that some Bernal Heights residents who called 311 received notices requiring them to repair the sidewalk within 30 days. Public Works says missing sewer vent covers are among the sidewalk conditions property owners may be responsible for repairing.
Residents Are Trying To Theft-Proof the Grates
Neighbors have tried tamper-resistant screws, construction adhesive, painted covers, stamped addresses, epoxy, and other fixes to keep the grates in place.
Some attempts have not worked. One resident told Mission Local that a plastic grate glued into place was still pried off and taken. Another resident spent hours reinforcing a cover with screws, glue, steel, epoxy, and paint.
Missing Covers Should Be Reported Quickly
The San Francisco Police Department issued a separate warning in 2025 after the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission reported more than 400 stolen sidewalk utility covers over two years.
Police said missing covers can leave sizable holes that create pedestrian tripping hazards.
Homeowners who find a missing sewer vent cover should report it to 311, photograph the hole, keep repair receipts, and avoid leaving an unmarked opening where someone could step into it. If residents see someone removing or carrying utility covers, SFPD has asked the public to call 911 immediately.