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Theft of copper pipe and wire is causing big messes and high costs for landlords in Saskatoon.

“The problem is, it’s the damage they are doing to get to it,” said Alisa Thompson, co-owner and co-founder of Epic Alliance, which renovates rental properties.

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As soon as tenants move out of a building, there is a risk that people will break in and try to get at the pipes, she said.

“They literally smash through the wall where the tub surround is, just to pull the copper between the taps and the shower head.”

In the worst cases, water meters and pipes have been removed, which causes massive flooding, knocking out the furnace pilot light and heat.

Photo by Matt Smith / Saskatoon StarPhoenix

“You are looking at a foot and a half of water frozen solid on the floor,” Thompson said. This has happened to at least four of her houses, with dozens more broken into, she added.

This leaves thousands of dollars in damage for a few feet of copper pipe, which can be sold for cash.