60+ connectors used to fight high-rise fires stolen by metal thieves

Vancouver Police are investigating over 60 thefts of what they say is a key component of fire suppression equipment in buildings, and are now urging anyone with more information to contact investigators.

According to police, thieves are allegedly stealing standpipe connections, attached to high-rise buildings that would be used by firefighters to feed water to upper floors during a fire.

The standpipe connections are being stolen primarily in downtown Vancouver and the Downtown Eastside.

Investigators believe the connections are being targeted because of their metal component. The problem, is that without these connections, firefighters cannot properly suppress high-rise fires, which presents a huge public safety concern for both police and Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS).

“Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) is deeply concerned about the theft of metal fire department connections (FDC’s) from buildings. The illegal removal of these puts occupants of the building at high risk,” said VFRS Captain Jonathan Gormick.

Building managers and occupants are requested to check their standpipe connections, and call the Vancouver Police if any of the metal fittings are missing.

“We believe that there may be additional thefts that have not yet been noticed and reported to police,” said VPD Sgt.Aaron Roed.”We encourage anyone who observes a missing connector to call us so we can investigate.”

Investigators are asking anyone with information regarding these thefts to call the VPD Property Crime Unit at 604-717-0610 or, if they wish to remain anonymous, contact  Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or leave a tip online.