Mesa and surrounding jurisdictions have seen an alarming
increase in the number of Backflow Valve Thefts hitting the Valley. This crime
is costly and inconvenient for our citizens. We need your help to put an end to this trend!
What exactly is a backflow
valve?
- A backflow valve (assembly) prevents water that has become polluted or
contaminated by contact with the environment, from reversing direction and
flowing backward into a customer's potable water plumbing or in the
municipal water distribution system. Landscape irrigation systems,
swimming pool auto fill lines, or plumbing connection equipment and
appliances are examples of water applications that can compromise the
public water system if appropriate protection is not in place.
How does it affect ME when a backflow valve is stolen?
·
Costs to replace stolen backflow assemblies
will invariably be passed on to customers.
- This includes additional
costs relating to property damage to cages, plumbing, pads, and the
landscaping associated with a backflow assembly.
- Disruption of water
service to critical care facilities, nursing homes, restaurants, grocery
stores, apartment complexes, etc.
- The integrity of the
public water distribution system and public health may be compromised when
a backflow assembly is removed and the water system piping is opened to
the environment.
It’s just metal--how
much could they really cost to replace?
- A lot! Prices for a new backflow assembly vary significantly
depending on its size and type. Typical prices may range between
$100-$800 dollars just for the assembly. With labor, fittings, pipe,
and repairs to damaged cages and pads, the re installation of a stolen
assembly may be between $1000-$3000!
Is there anything I can do to assist with this problem?
·
YES! You are our first line of defense. You are
the eyes and ears that will notice the theft! Be on the lookout for suspicious
activity in your area. Thieves often target apartment complexes, restaurants,
community pools, retention basins, HOAS, churches, hospitals, car dealerships
and gas stations.
·
Call 911 immediately
if you see suspicious activity occurring near a backflow assembly or metal
piping.
- Record license plate
numbers of vehicles where individuals are observed removing a backflow
assembly. A location, vehicle make, model and color, and suspect
description are very helpful. Do you notice more than one suspect present?
Make sure to let the Police know of everything
you see.
- Be advised that backflow
assemblies are permanent fixtures. The only time a backflow assembly
may be removed is if another is installed in its place.
- Most companies that
specialize in backflow service will display their company logo on their
vehicle. Unmarked vehicles associated with activity around a
backflow assembly should be suspect.
I have information
and want to help! How can I submit tips?
There are many methods to report information on subjects who
have stolen or may be stealing backflow valves—please choose the one that you
are most comfortable with:
1. If
it’s an in-progress event, contact 911
immediately!
2. If
you have delayed information, contact the Mesa Police Department non-emergency
line at (480) 644-2211.
3. Submit
an anonymous tip online by clicking on the following link:
4. Text
an anonymous tip to:
CRIMES
(274-637) and use the Keyword: MesaPD
5. Citizens
can also submit anonymous crime tips via iPhone and Android by using the TipSubmit app. This app allows you to:
·
Submit photos and video
·
Submit written tips with unlimited messaging
length
·
Remain fully anonymous with two-way dialogue,
including virtual chat mode, when both parties are online
·
Auto-locate the nearest agency
TipSubmit is available in the Android Market or the Apple App Store.
Thank
you for your help! Working together, we can put an end to this costly crime
that is horribly inconvenient for our citizens!
A special thank you to Kathy Macdonald, Robert
Judd and Mike Cable of the City of Mesa Water Resources Department for contributing
photographs and information for this article.
