Metal thieves could make it tougher to fight fires in Kent.

Thefts are up so far this year of metal parts on fire department connections near roadways used to supplement the required water for fire sprinklers inside businesses and apartment complexes as well as provide water to engines through standpipe systems.

Thieves take the metal to a recycling facility for the cash.

Eleven devices have been reported stolen so far this year, said Kyle Ohashi, spokesman for the Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority, in an email. Thirteen were taken in 2011 from businesses served by the Kent Fire Department.

“The stealing of these appliances has been an issue for fire departments throughout the state for well over 10 years with a recent increase that corresponded with increased prices for the basic metal and a downturn in the economy,” Ohashi said.

There are several hundred such devices in the city with the majority located in the business and industrial areas. The devices are located near the roadways or access points to the property so they are easily located and can be connected to the fire engine.

Any business or apartment complex located in the city that has a required fire sprinkler system will have an associated fire department connection.

Without the connection, Ohashi said the fire department will not have the ability to ensure a required supply of water is present for fire sprinkler operation or there will not be a supply for firefighters to use when operating off the standpipe system.

Fire department officials work closely with the Kent Police and other South King County law enforcement agencies as well as with business owners to investigate the loss of these devices and to assist in ensuring they are replaced, Ohashi said.

“The replacement of the device and associated piping can cost as little as $500 but with some systems the costs run into the thousands,” Ohashi said.

Fire officials are taking steps to make it tougher to take the devices.

“We are working with sprinkler system installers to use features that will reduce the chance of someone easily removing the devices,” Ohashi said.

Residents can help combat the thefts as well.

“They can call the police (911) if they see anyone who is removing the device,” Ohashi said.

Theives also have struck other fire departments.

The Valley Regional Fire Authority, which serves Auburn, reported the theft of 37 fire department connections so far this year, according to the Auburn Reporter.