Thieves caught on camera stealing backflow preventers from Kingwood businesses, cost thousands in repairs

July 29, 2026 - 04:55

Thieves in Kingwood are being blamed for a string of thefts targeting backflow preventers, leaving business owners with flooded parking lots, shattered pipes, and repair costs that have quickly climbed into the thousands. The crimes were caught on surveillance cameras, showing suspects prying the devices off commercial properties before vanishing.

Backflow preventers are essential plumbing fixtures that stop contaminated water from flowing backward into the main water supply. While they have scrap metal value, the cost of replacing them and fixing the resulting water damage is far higher. In several cases, the thefts caused water to gush uncontrollably, flooding parking areas and damaging landscaping.

Local business owners say the incidents have happened repeatedly over recent weeks. One owner described arriving to find water pouring from a broken pipe, with the backflow preventer simply gone. Another reported that the thieves struck twice at the same location, despite efforts to secure the equipment.

Police are reviewing the footage and asking anyone with information to come forward. The stolen devices are not easy to sell legally, as most scrap yards require proof of ownership. Still, the brazen nature of the thefts has left the community frustrated. For now, business owners are left weighing the cost of added security against the risk of another costly hit.