Phoenix Home Inspection: Copper thieves in Phoenix are at it again

I was inspecting a home in Phoenix yesterday.  When i turned the water main on I heard some water running.  At first i thought it was a faucet left on.  I quickly went through the back gate towards the sound.  When I turned the corner water was gushing down the wall.  I rushed back and turned the water off.  Then I returned to investigate further.  The house was built in 1950.  When the laundry room addition was added the supply lines were plumbed on the outside of the wall.  The theives first tried to cut the pipes close to the wall.  When they realised there was a strap holding it on the wall they cut it in another spot.  They only got about 10 feet of pipe.  They also took the water heater.