Thieves Target Precious Metals In Boulder

BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4)- Boulder is the latest Front Range city targeted by copper and brass thieves. Police have seen an increase in the metal thefts along with the street value.

A popular item is the large backflow preventers from the sprinkler systems on city medians. The fixtures are made of copper and brass.

With support pipes, they weigh about 25 pounds and cost $1,400 to replace.

Police said thieves typically use pipe cutters to steal the devices, usually after dark.

29 backflow preventers in Boulder were reported missing over the New Year's holiday, worth an estimated $40,000.

"They're probably pulling up the medians, most likely with a pickup truck, cut it off, throw it in a truck and no one suspects anything," said Boulder Police Sergeant Rob Bustrum.

While copper and brass do have some value as scrap, police said reputable salvage yards don't buy something that appears to be stolen.