Authorities are investigating a series of water meter thefts in Mangaldan, Pangasinan after at least 14 units were reported stolen.

The latest victim, Purita Gotoc, discovered afternoon on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, that her water meter had been taken after an unidentified suspect destroyed the protective grill.

“Nagpunta kami sa MAWAD sabi nila marami nang nanakawan sabi namin dapat sinasabi rin sa amin para alam namin gagawin,” Gotoc said.

She said the incident caused both inconvenience and added expense, as she had to pay nearly P2,000 for a replacement.

“Kulang-kulang 2000 ang binayaran ko, P1700 masakit sa bulsa,” she said.

The Mangaldan Water District (MAWAD) said the number of reported thefts has been increasing, raising alarm among officials.

“Hindi biro ito kasi bagamat may mga cases na kami before, ngayon parami nang parami kasi, nakakabahala talaga,” Demmee Carbonel, MAWAD spokesperson, said.

Police said they are conducting a deeper investigation, including checking affected households and reviewing possible CCTV footage in the area.

“Ngayon ay inaalam namin ang mga bahay na nawalan ng metro para malaman namin, ma-backtrack namin kung may mga CCTV sa area,” Lieutenant Colonel Perlito Tuayon, chief of the Mangaldan Police Station, said.

Authorities have also begun monitoring local junk shops to track any attempts to sell stolen water meters.

MAWAD said affected residents will only need to pay for the replacement meter, while installation services will be provided free of charge.

Meanwhile, water meter theft cases were earlier reported to be increasing in Dagupan City with authorities recording dozens of incidents this year.

The Pamana Water Dagupan said it has recorded at least 26 cases of water meter theft as of April 13, 2026.