There has been a rash of metal thefts along Kuykendahl in The Woodlands this week. The targets are brass and copper water pipe fittings known as back-flow preventers.
Overnight, half a dozen businesses, including an ER clinic, were hit along Flintridge and Kuykendahl. That follows as many as seven thefts Tuesday night along The Woodlands Parkway.
< The thieves are taking the pipe fittings in a matter of minutes, leaving water to pour out all over roads and parking lots. Among the businesses hit this morning, the Saint Luke's ER clinic, a hardware store and a Wendy's restaurant.
Every time a back-flow preventer is taken, firefighters have to scramble to turn off the water. It's estimated that each back-flow preventer that is stolen will cost taxpayers $2,000 to replace.
