Two arrested in Douglas County after early-morning theft of backflow valves
Two people were arrested after deputies found burglary tools, drugs and four brass backflow valves cut from sprinkler supply lines; residents should check systems and report suspicious activity.
Douglas County deputies arrested two people early Monday after a resident heard what sounded like an electric saw and saw two individuals near a home irrigation system, the sheriff’s office said. Deputies located a gray sedan nearby, contacted the occupants and recovered burglary tools, illegal narcotics and four brass backflow-prevention valves that had been cut from supply pipes.
Undersheriff Jason Kennedy described the initial call: "They heard what they thought was a power saw outside. That’s always strange at 1:23 (a.m.) outside your residence. And then they saw two individuals down by an irrigation system." Deputies reported finding a Sawzall, large bolt cutters and other tools consistent with tampering or theft of sprinkler components.
The sheriff’s office estimated the seized backflow valves at $1,000–$2,000 apiece, though some reports note scrap-yard resale values are far lower and landscapers warn homeowner replacement can top $1,000. Authorities also say missing or damaged backflow devices can lead to costly repairs and carry potential water-contamination risks because backflow prevention devices protect drinking-water lines from irrigation system contaminants.
The arrests come amid a cluster of similar incidents in Douglas County in recent days; the sheriff’s office said it has received a string of reports involving stolen or damaged backflow valves. Deputies emphasized these thefts frequently happen overnight when systems are less likely to be noticed and urged residents to periodically inspect exposed sprinkler components.
Beyond the immediate loss of property, public-health and community implications are significant. Backflow-prevention valves are a safety measure designed to keep lawn chemicals, soil and irrigation water from entering household or municipal water supplies. When devices are removed, homeowners and water managers face both repair bills and a heightened risk of contamination incidents that can strain local utilities and public-health resources.
For residents, the practical impact is twofold: direct replacement costs and the disruption or expense of restoring a water system to safe working order. Law enforcement also notes a secondary market motive; thieves often target metal plumbing components for quick resale at scrap yards, while homeowners must arrange for professional inspection and repair.
The investigation is ongoing. The sheriff’s office said the two people taken into custody were arrested but did not release names, ages or charges. Anyone who observes suspicious activity around irrigation systems, parking-strip meters or exposed valves is asked to report it to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. For now, homeowners should check exposed backflow devices, consider protective cages or locks, and contact a licensed plumber or landscaper if a valve appears missing or damaged.
What this means for Douglas County is straightforward: small, targeted thefts can create outsized public-health and financial costs. Vigilance, timely reporting and quick repairs can help protect both private property and the community water supply as deputies continue their investigation.
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