Metal thieves target fire hydrants in Palm Springs

Palm Spring police are looking for metal thieves, but this time, the theft is causing new concerns for public safety.

Last Thursday night and early Friday morning, five fire hydrants were reported missing in the same area of Palm Springs. Police said thieves shut off the water supply to the hydrants, and then knocked them off their mounts by using a vehicle.

Police speculate the fire hydrants were dismantled so thieves could sell the parts made from brass.

But unlike many of the metal theft crimes occurring nowadays, which usually involve copper wiring, the missing fire hydrants create a new concern for pubic safety, and a brand new problem for the fire department.

If you have any information about the fire hydrant theft, call Valley Crime Stoppers at (760) 341-7867.