Campbell, CA - The Campbell Police Department has arrested three individuals in conjunction with various backflow valve thefts with loses in excess of $14,000.
Backflow valves are designed to prevent non-potable (unsafe) water from entering the water supply. The device works by allowing water to flow out of the municipal water supply into the service lines and preventing unsafe water from flowing back into the potable water supply.
Backflow valves are normally copper or brass devices and have become a target of thefts because the scrap metal value is approximately $40 to $100 per unit.
Between August 29, 2018 and September 4, 2018, six backflow valves were stolen from the Campbell Technology Parkway business complex. The estimated loss of these backflow valves was over $14,000
On September 8, 2018, a Campbell Police Officer proactively patrolled the parking lot of 675 Campbell Technology Parkway due to the recent thefts. While performing the patrol check, the officer located a Toyota SUV parked next to several backflow water valves that were recently stolen and replaced. Suspects John Fung, Tony Alvarez, and Kelly Mack were located inside the vehicle.
During the initial investigation, it was determined the Mr. Alvarez was on probation for a stolen vehicle and Mrs. Mack had a felony warrant and was on probation for possession of stolen property. Both Mr. Alvarez and Mr. Fung were under the influence of a controlled substance. An abundance of power tools, water shut off tools, and backflow valves were found in the vehicle. They also were in possession of meth and paraphernalia linked to drug sales. All three suspects were booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail on the following charges:
John Fung – 52 years of San Jose, California, was arrested for the following charges:
- Attempted Grand Theft
- Conspiracy to commit a crime
- Possession of burglary tools
- Possession of stolen property
- Under the influence of a controlled substance
- Possession of controlled substances for sale
- Possession of controlled substance paraphernalia
Tony Alvarez – 54 years of San Jose, California, was arrested for the following charges:
- Attempted Grand Theft
- Conspiracy to commit a crime
- Possession of burglary tools
- Possession of stolen property
- Under the influence of a controlled substance
- Possession of controlled substances for sale
- Violation of probation
Kelly Mack – 49 years of San Jose, California, was arrested for the following charges:
- Attempted Grand Theft
- Conspiracy to commit a crime
- Possession of stolen property
- Possession of controlled substances for sale
- Possession of controlled substance paraphernalia
- False identification to specific peace officer
- Outside Warrant
Campbell Police Detectives are continuing the investigation determine if the suspects are responsible for other backflow valve thefts in the area. Based on current information, it is believed that these individuals were responsible for the initial six thefts and that the stolen valves were recycled in San Jose.
The Campbell Police Department would encourage our community to follow these steps to help prevent backflow valve thefts:
Step 1 - Paint your backflow valve or spray with a truck bed liner coating to decrease its scrap value. Stamp, label (multiple places), or identify the metal with a recognizable code.
Step 2 - Enclose the backflow valve within a protective cage. The cage should be secured or mounted to the ground. Put a high quality lock on the cage. Lock guards protect locks from bolt cutters.
Step 4 - Post a visible warning sign mentioning security and prosecution.
Step 5 - Consider plastic options since they are considered less valuable to thieves due to the minimal amount of brass and copper contained in the device.
Step 6 - Disguise your backflow preventer by covering and grouping with other natural landscape surroundings. Use a heavy duty enclosure box for industrial or high security facilities.
Anyone who has any information regarding these thefts is asked to call our 24-hour dispatch center at (408) 866-2101 or the Investigations Unit at (408) 871-5190. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through our free mobile application (Campbell Police Department), downloadable from the App Store or Google Play.
Prepared By:
Captain Gary Berg
Campbell Police Department
408.866.2779
