ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. -- Thieves flooded two residential complexes and an elementary school in Arapahoe County when they stole irrigation pipes.

Investigators said the thieves struck at least three times Thursday morning. Each time, copper pipes and brass pressure valves were stolen.

"It really reduces the feeling of safety," said Bill Donelson, a board member at Saddle Ridge, one of the complexes hit. "It's like, what is going to happen next?"

Arapahoe County Sheriff's Capt. Brice Moomaw said they see reports all the time of copper pipes or wire being stolen.

"Could be for drugs, alcohol," said Moomaw.

Donelson said his condo complex knows these thefts are an increasing problem in the metro area, so last week they voted to buy cages to be placed on top of the irrigation units.

But they weren't worried now, as most thieves do not steal irrigation pipes during the summer time.

"Because if they cut the pipe then they would have to endure all that water pressure," said Donelson. "And no one would do that."