Water theft on the rise in Fresno, Clovis

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Friday afternoon on Action News, we told you about cases of water theft across the Valley.

We showed the images of a couple with blurred-out faces, removing water from a hydrant in West Central Fresno. Later in the day, that couple told Action News they were removing the water legally.

Fresno and Clovis city officials say they are seeing an increase of water theft cases, especially near county lines.

Many wells are running dry, and public works officials believe people are stealing city water as a substitute. But it's tough for police to track down the crime, and they need help from the community to catch thieves.