In May, a suspect swiped a water backflow valve and pipe on Research Drive, according to the Irvine Police Department.
Across the country, thieves steal backflows because they are made of copper, brass, and other metals that they trade at scrap yards for cash.
Our detectives tightened the fittings on this case, identified Julio Salinas Cartagena, 40, of Westminster, and turned off his cash supply line last week, in Santa Ana…