Burglars hit at least four Yucca Valley properties and stole the large brass backflow device near the properties’ water meters. Backflow devices prevent cross-contamination of the water system from hazards that may be located on private property. Victimized were: a convenience store and restaurant in the 57300 block of Twentynine Palms Highway; a strip mall in the 56600 block of Twentynine Palms Highway; and a county building in the 56300 block of Pima Trail. The cost to replace each backflow device is estimated at $500 to $700. The Hi-Desert Water District said in a press release that a property’s water service is turned off if a backflow device is removed. The District urges property owners to secure the backflow device by purchasing a cage to place over the device, and securing the cage with a lock. Anyone with information about the thefts should call the Sheriff’s Department at 760-366-4175.
