MANATEE — A band of thieves specializing in back flow preventors and car batteries has hit some Bradenton area businesses, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. Detectives believe from Friday to Monday these items were stolen from businesses in the 6200 and 6300 blocks of 17th Street Circle East and the 6200 block of 17th Street East, Bradenton, according to a sheriff’s office report. Although the thieves seem to be targeting back flow preventors, several car batteries also were stolen in the same area within the same time frame. If any person has information relating to these incidents please contact the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 941-747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS (8477).

— Herald staff reports