Man arrested for stealing sprinkler valves

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) -- Broward Sheriff's Office Deputies have tracked down a man accused of stealing sprinkler valves.

BSO found many of the metal pieces at a Pompano Beach scrap yard. They arrested 48-year-old David Lawson after he allegedly sold more than 200 pounds of the stolen backflow valves to the scrap yard.

The valves are key components of fire department sprinkler systems. "The fire department usually will immediately go to that water source and hook up to the sprinkler connection," explained BSO Detective Robert Rutkowski. "If they're missing, they're not going to flow the sprinkler system. They're not gonna provide water, so it could cause loss of property and, worse off, loss of life."

Deputies said Lawson snatched the valves from at least two local businesses.

Authorities are now asking any businesses that may have been hit by this thief to come forward. If you believe you were a victim, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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