A new crime trend hitting South County cities has Mission Viejo Police Services reminding residents to be alert for suspicious activity in and around their neighborhoods.
“The recent theft of backflow devices from the City’s green spaces and batteries from Cox Communications equipment boxes has prompted us to remind residents to always be on the alert for suspicious activity,” said Lt. Mike Gavin, Chief of Police Services.
Backflow devices are used in the City’s landscaped areas to stop irrigation water from mixing with the City’s potable water supply. Replacing such devices costs the City thousands of dollars. Batteries from Cox Communications equipment boxes are used as back-up power supplies. The continued loss of these batteries could potentially disrupt service to Cox customers. Since the beginning of December, 131 batteries have been taken from equipment boxes.
Many of these thefts have occurred on weekends during the early morning hours.
Residents should call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 949-770-6011 immediately if they observe any suspicious activity or call 9-1-1 if they suspect a crime is in progress. Detailed descriptions of any suspect or vehicle including license plate numbers provide important information for deputies responding to the call.
“Residents are an invaluable asset to law enforcement; they provide us with additional eyes on the community and help bring our attention to areas where we are needed,” Lt. Gavin said.
