Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SOUTH JORDAN — Police say they made an arrest Sunday in connection with a rash of thefts plaguing a South Jordan community.
Investigators booked a man into jail on two unrelated warrants and believe he is responsible for the string of thefts. Police did not release the man's name because the investigation is ongoing.
Police believe the man was after backflow preventer valves, which separate drinkable water from non-potable water. South Jordan City requires homeowners to have them, and many are left uncovered and out in the open with easy access for potential thieves.
On Friday night, John Sweeney noticed his backflow preventer valve was gone. His was even partially hidden.
"I don't know if they're doing it in the middle of the night or what,but it seems they must have done it pretty quickly," Sweeney said. "This one is sort of a little bit of a hassle. It’s stuck behind that bush."
But that didn't stop the thief who appears to have stolen the valves random targets in Daybreak.
"If you look at our neighbors here, theirs is right out in the open — right next to the porch — and they didn't bother with that one."
Master Officer Sam Winkler with the South Jordan Police Department said it’s not the device the thieves are after, but rather the brass used to make the valves.
It's just an annoyance more than anything. I'll find a cover of some sort, take it off and take it inside.
–John Sweeney
Winker said the metal could be turned around and sold for 50 cents to a dollar per pound. That's only about $5 for each one.
"I would give them 5 or 10 bucks rather than replace a $200 or $400 backflow prevented," said victim Zach Shore.
Sweeney hasn't replaced his valve yet, but plans to take some precautions when he does.
"It's just an annoyance more than anything,” he said. “I’ll find a cover of some sort, take it off and take it inside.”
Police are recommending residents with uncovered valves get the help of a professional to help prevent more thefts.
South Jordan Police is working with other agencies to see if the man in custody is behind similar thefts in other cities. They're also working to find out if anyone else was involved.
