SAN ANTONIO — It's an unlikely crime, according to San Antonio Water System (SAWS) and it's creating new concerns in a southwest side neighborhood.
The cast iron lids that protect water meters are being stolen in broad daylight. One neighbor who watched the crime happen through her Ring app decided to take matters into her own hands.
She says once the thief stole the lid, he came back for more. Neighbors have since banded together, using metal cords to secure their lids to the meters.
KENS 5 learned more about why thieves may be collecting these metal parts and why this crime may soon be obsolete.
Midday Monday in the Thompson community, security cameras caught a white four-door truck driving down SW 21st Street between Darby and Menefee. A man is seen getting out of the vehicle stealing cast iron lids covering water meters.
The man is seen throwing the lid in the truck bed, then he comes back for more of what's underground. After a few seconds, he takes off and pulls over down the street.
That's when the homeowner who just got her lid stolen walked up to the truck and took her lid back.
The same white truck was also spotted committing the same crime around the corner off Kirk Place.
KENS 5 talked with two plumbing experts who agreed on the motive: criminals want money for the metal from the lid and whatever they can grab underground.
"They go after the cast iron mainly to shut the water off. Then they go after the more expensive metal which is the brass or the copper," said Karl Bishop, Master Plumber with 1st Call Plumbing, Heating and AC.
"They're scrapping it at the salvage yard. They're cutting it all up probably...taking any markings off that can identify it from wherever they got it and they're selling it. They'll probably wait until brass is higher or copper's higher or both," said David Harmonson, owner of Harmonson Plumbing.
As for the value of these pieces, it's not much.
"Maybe a couple of dollars for the cast iron and maybe $5, $10 for the brass pieces," said Bishop.
"It's always about a pound or two of brass," Harmonson added. "If they do 30 of them going down the street, it'll add up. That's why they do it."
Backflow preventer valves, often made of brass, are also a hot commodity. If these parts are taken from underground, experts say a home could be without water for hours or even days.
If crooks damage the pipes underneath, that can also be a costly repair for whichever party is responsible.
In the meantime, neighbors are staying vigilant. Bulk pickup is Monday, so they're keeping an eye out while more cars drive through the neighborhood.
Experts say, in the event of an emergency, make sure you know where your meter is located in case you need to turn it off.
If your lid or meter box is stolen, SAWS will replace it for free. Customers can contact 210-704-7297 for assistance.
SAWS is also in the process of installing new automated meters with "thief-proof" plastic boxes and covers.