More than 20 businesses without water after pipe theft

Police said thieves took at least 12 backwater devices from an office complex in Palm Desert, leaving at least 20 businesses without running water Tuesday morning.

The theft occurred at the Village Court Plaza off of Highway 111 and Cook Street. A business owner called News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 Tuesday morning to report the incident.

The plaza houses several law, medical and dental offices.

The affected businesses are having to find ways to work around the water outage until the lines can be replaced and cleaned.

The Coachella Valley Water District was at the plaza with new backwater devices but the business owners are responsible for calling a plumber to reconnect their service.

Were awaiting more information from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department regarding the theft.

If you have information about the theft, call Valley Crime Stoppers at 760-341-7867