Peter Kavounas, GWP Water Administrator, is urging all customers to report any suspicious activity near City fire hydrants.

"If customers see anyone removing parts or the entire fire hydrant, and they aren't using official City vehicles, we are asking them to call the Police Department and report any suspicious activity", stated Kavounas. "Even if customers aren't sure people working on fire hydrants are assigned City employees, regardless if they are wearing a uniform or not, they can still call and report a possible crime and the matter will be investigated."

Glendale has seen a sudden rise in metal and copper wire theft. In its July 2008 issue of the newsletter The Source, GWP officials and the Glendale Police Department urged customers to report anyincidents of metal or copper wire theft in progress.

Customers are also urged to contact authorities if they see people lingering near electrical equipment or inactive construction sites. Stealing fire hydrants is a crime and very costly for the city, but the bigger issue is public safety.

If there is a fire in the neighborhood served by the broken or stolen fire hydrant, this could hamper the ability of the fire department to respond. Stealing fire hydrants is also dangerous since pressured parts can fly off and cause severe injuries.

City officials ask that residents be vigilant in watching for unusual activity at any fire hydrant and call the Glendale Police Department's anonymous tip line at 818-507-STOP or Sgt. Vahak Mardikian, who is in charge of the Glendale Police Department's burglary unit at 818-547-3127.

In the event a subject is observed trying to remove fire hydrant or any of its parts, a brief description of any vehicle used to leave the scene and any occupants would be a help to investigators and officers.

To report a crime in progress, please call the Glendale Police Department at 818-548-4911.