String of Thefts Leaves Victims Feeling Flushed
Valuable electronic flush valves have been disappearing from local establishments in recent weeks.
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Southeastern Wisconsin has been hit hard by an unusual string of thefts, with Greenfield locations being targeted at least three times this month.
The popular item? Valuable flush valves for toilets and urinals.
Just weeks after a thief reportedly stole two such flushers from McDonald’s, 4275 S. 27th St., another McDonald’s and ITT Technical Institute had their flushing devices lifted Oct. 22.
“We are currently meeting with other agencies that have also experienced these thefts, most notably West Allis and Pewaukee,” Greenfield Assistant Chief Paul Schlecht wrote in an email.
The first incident Oct. 22 happened around noon at McDonald’s, 5040 S. 76th St. According to the Greenfield Police Department report, electronic flush valves from both a urinal and toilet were taken. The valves were valued at $600 each. With additional parts and labor, the total loss was estimated at $1,800.
Later that day, the same incident occurred at ITT Technical Institute, where a thief made off with $3,148 worth of flusher parts.
The manager of the McDonald’s on 27th Street told police at that time he was aware of at least three other area McDonald’s that had their flushing mechanisms taken.
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McDonald's
4275 S 27th St, Greenfield, WI -
McDonald's
5040 S 76th St, Greenfield, WI -
ITT Technical Institute
6300 W Layton Ave, Greenfield, WI
Peter J G Chiconas
11:44 am on Wednesday, October 31, 2012
This really makes you think what there going to do with stolen toilet parts...
I suppose they could try to sell them, but who buys stolen toilet parts?
Jim Price
8:10 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
There were two incidents of this purloining of plumbing at fast-food restaurants in Wauwatosa as well, and after one at a Taco Bell, the proprietor mentioned that it was happening at other TBs throughout the area. It seems a lot of work to go to for mere scrap value, so it does seem likely that someone is buying them as replacement parts. I'm sure the police are looking at it that way. Should be an interesting story when the "valve lifter" gets caught, as eventually he will.
Johnny Dd
5:42 pm on Saturday, November 24, 2012
Police are complete and utter morons and are only able to arrest people by planting evidence. Are you aware that many police officers are ITT Tech graduates? They even speak well of their alma mater, saying that they had a quality education made available to them, which means that they are also crooked.