News: Scrap metal thieves target Fire hydrants

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

News: Scrap metal thieves target Fire hydrants

Scrap metal thieves putting High Desert hydrants out of service

HESPERIA, Calif. (AP) - Fire hydrants have become a favorite target of scrap metal thieves in the High Desert.

The stolen parts, typically brass caps and sometimes brass threading, only yield about $5 from recyclers.

But an employee of the Apple Valley Rancho Water Co. says it costs $125 plus labor to replace them.

Authorities estimate there have been more than 100 such thefts in the past six months.

Jed Holley, manager of A-1 Recycling, says the problem is a safety danger as well as a crime.

There have been no instances of crews arriving at a fire and finding an inoperable hydrant.

Information from: Victorville Daily Press

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Wednesday, March 26, 2008