Thieves Steal Brass Water Pipes From Roseville Businesses
ROSEVILLE (CBS13) -- It's a hot new trend among criminals, and it's leaving businesses high and dry.
"We've had at least eight to ten stolen in the last two weeks," says Peter Kummli, Roseville business owner.
Everyday Peter Kummli goes into work now and crosses his fingers that his business will have water.
"They'll actually dig around both pipes and they've got to shut the main water off first," said Kummli.
A brazen thief is stealing water pipes outside of businesses all over the Roseville area.
Just a few days ago, one building across from Kummli, reported nine of their pipes stolen right out of the ground.
Thieves are mainly targeting backflow water devices made of brass, which are worth $75, but costing thousands of dollars in repairs.
"It just makes me wonder who's taking this stuff," says Kummli.
The only clue authorities have so far is the footage Kummli caught on his surveillance cameras. The snapshot shows the metal thief in an older two-toned SUV.
But Kummli says one thing is certain – the crook won't stop until he slips, or someone hangs him out to dry.
Also, someone is buying the stolen metal from the thieves, and Roseville Police say they could also face charges, and they have already warned local metal recyclers.
