By now we have all heard about scrap-metal theft in Southern California. These thefts range from copper wire at job sites to catalytic converters being removed from parked cars. As the value of scrap metal increases and the economy continues to slump, bandits are getting more creative and more brazen. There have even been stories about brass plaques being stolen from graveyards and turned in for the scrap value. With this being said, it is quite obvious that nothing is sacred in the world of scrap metal.
Backflow prevention devices are the predominant theft the landscape industry is dealing with. These devices help keep any contaminates from siphoning back into the drinking water and supply, and they are a mandatory item on all homeowners’ associations, commercial properties and, depending on where you live, even some houses. They are constructed of brass and copper and can weigh in excess of 60 pounds. This makes them a desirable target for would-be thieves. Theft of backflows has been going on for decades; however, there has been a dramatic increase in the last two years as the value of brass and copper increases. A thief may get $60 or $80 per backflow preventer, which you will pay up to $2,000 to replace. Generally, these crooks work in the dead of night when most people are sleeping. It takes only a few minutes to turn off the water meter and wrench apart the backflow, taking whatever they can get. A lot of properties have multiple backflows, which allows a skilled team to steal several hundred dollars’ worth of scrap metal in very little time. At one property, a man posing as an employee of the local water department contacted the manager. He explained they would be performing some temporary shutdowns while they did some testing, but the water would be off for only a few minutes. It wasn’t until a few hours later that it was discovered the backflows had been stolen.
So what can we do to protect ourselves from theft? Here are a couple of strategies that will help in making your property less of a target.
There are numerous companies who now manufacture backflow enclosures. These are steel, aluminum or plastic enclosures that hide and protect your backflow via a padlock system. Most landscape contractors as well as plumbing services can install these items. The costs vary depending on the type of enclosure and the labor necessary to install it.
Secondly, many people have taken to painting their backflows with epoxy paint because there is a theory that scrap yards pay far less for contaminated metal. You would definitely need to contact your water purveyor to make sure this is allowed in your area.
As I’ve heard it said, “Locks only keep honest people honest.” So diligence and a wary eye are your best defense against this ongoing problem.
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Author : Chris Cutler
Company : Steven Smith Landscape Inc.
Chris Cutler is with Steven Smith Landscape Inc. in Escondido, Calif.
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