Edmond Police Hope Reward Flushes Out 'Potty Thief'

News9.com

EDMOND, Oklahoma -- Edmond police said they have had many recent reports of toilet flusher thefts across the city.

According to Glynda Chu with Edmond police, the "potty thieves" have stolen 17 hand toilet flushers from Edmond parks since June.

"It is, I have to say, the most bizarre type of theft that I've come across so far in my years here in Edmond," Chu said.

Three automatic flushers have been stolen from three different Braum's Ice Cream and Dairy Stores in the city as well. A flusher theft is also believed to have occurred at an Oklahoma City Burger King located at S.E. 66th Street and Interstate 35.

Surveillance video captured an image of the suspect in the Burger King thefts.

Reportedly the thieves are stealing the flushers to sell the brass at salvage yards for about $40.

"This piece here is mostly solid plated chrome brass, and it has some plastic pieces on the inside of it but they can take this top nut off and get it down to where it's almost nothing but pure brass," said David Dye, Locke Plumbing Supply. "The person has to know their way around the flush valve itself because they are turning the water off on the top on the wall. So it's someone that's familiar with plumbing or have been a helper."

In an effort to slow the thief down, Edmond Police said they are now going around to their city bathrooms and putting "property of Edmond" on all their toilets. They said by doing this they hope it will alert a salvage yard that the person stole the flusher.

Edmond police are offering a $500 reward through Crime Stoppers. Anyone with information should call 405-359-4466.