Thieves swipe backflow preventers

Manatee County Sheriff's Office detectives are searching for the suspect(s) who stole five backflow preventers from a Lakewood Ranch shopping plaza.

According to sheriff's office reports, sometime between Aug. 8 and Aug. 9, unknown person(s) cut copper pipes and took five backflow preventers from the Shops at Summerfield at State Road 70 and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. The businesses that were affected include AAA, Luxury Nail and Spa, and UPS. A sixth backflow preventer was cut from the copper pipe but was left behind.

The scene was processed, but no prints were found or any other information revealing any suspect information.