INLAND EMPIRE--Burglars and metal thieves are descending on local Caltrans facilities in droves.

Terri Kasinga says many are striking at night along busy freeways in plain view of passing motorists.

“Along the I-10, we’ve had sprinkler heads and copper wiring taken. People are seeing this.”

Caltrans maintenance yards in Bloomington, Corona and Banning are being repeatedly struck. Tools valued at $50,000 were taken last weekend.

“We’ll be putting security cameras in all angles of the yards and there’s a chance we may have to start hiring security guards,” Kasinga said.

Sprinkler systems have been so seriously compromised that landscape irrigation may be shut off.

Story Date: June 1, 2008