It’s surely a sign of the times: reports are coming in of a worrying growth in water theft from WA properties.

According to residents, landscapers and water providers, properties such as holiday homes have fallen prey to unusual water usage, much of which has been laid at the feet of naughty neighbours.

Landscape architect Tim Davies told Chrissy Morrissey on 6PR Afternoons he was initially skeptical of technology brought in from the US te prevent water loss, but was soon convinced.

“At first I thought it might be just a bit of a fad, but a couple of days after I installed it I had it on while I was pruning; it learns your activity and shuts off if it detects something unusual,” Mr Davies said.

Press PLAY to hear more about what you can do to prevent water loss