Renton Police, Fire Departments Warn Of Brass Theives

Brass thieves have found a connection for their metal of choice in Renton.

Seven different properties, including Union Square Apartments, have recently reported thefts of ‘fire department connections,’ or FDCs to the Renton Fire and Emergency Services Department and Renton Police Department.

The FDCs are typically located outside on the side of the building or in landscaping between the building and the parking lot or street and contain a brass fitting, which can fetch about $25 in scrap fees.

While the thieves earn a minimal amount of cash, property owners are then forced to pay up to $500 for a replacement fitting. About 60 fittings have been stolen in the last few months resulting in a payout of about $1,500; however, the replacement cost was approximately $30,000.

These connections are vital to the function of the fire sprinkler system as they are utilized by the fire department to supplement the fire sprinkler system’s water supply and to provide water to the upper floors of buildings, according to a City press release.

“This is a life safety issue,” said Chief Mark Peterson, as we rely on these systems to augment our ability to fight fires.”

Assistant Fire Marshal Dave Pargas noted that thefts may be prevented with the use of a locking cap on the FDC, or by painting it red to camouflage the brass. For more information, call (425) 430-7000 and ask for the community risk reduction department.

Business owners should regularly check the FDCs to ensure they are still in place and immediately report any missing fittings to the police and fire department by calling 911.

Renton hasn’t been the only City targeted for metal theft. Business owners in Lacey, Olympia and some areas of Skagit County have also fallen victim to the thefts, which usually occur at night.

Only licensed fire sprinkler contractors and the fire department will ever need to touch these fittings, according to the press release. Anyone who sees someone tampering with an FDC should immediately contact the police by calling 911.