Three men were detained by the Metropolitan Civil Guard (GCM) on Saturday, November 7, in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, for allegedly trying to steal water from the public network. According to the GCM, the trio used a backhoe to cut through asphalt in an attempt to divert water on Conselheiro Ferreira Viana Street, located in the Parque São Sebastião neighborhood. They were found with pipes at the scene, indicating their intent to siphon water from the municipal supply.

After their detention, the suspects were taken to the police station but were released shortly after posting bail, and their identities were not disclosed. The local water and sewage authority, Sanitation Company of Ribeirão Preto (Saerp), stated that the water supply was not affected by their actions. However, a forensic evaluation is pending to determine the extent of the damage caused to the public water network during the attempted theft.

This incident highlights ongoing challenges related to water supply management and resource theft in Brazil. As regions face increased pressure from water shortages, such acts raise concerns about the security and integrity of public infrastructures. The authorities are likely to investigate further into similar incidents to prevent such criminal activities in the future.