Backflow preventer anti-theft system and method

A backflow preventer anti-theft system for securing a protective cage to a backflow preventer, the backflow preventer anti-theft system comprising:

• a tether comprising:
• a proximal end configured to attach to the backflow preventer inside the protective cage;
• a distal end outside the protective cage;
• and
• a central portion extending between the proximal end and the distal end and configured to extend through an opening of the protective cage;
• a lockbox comprising:
• a base configured to adjoin the protective cage, the base comprising:
• a tether clamp configured to adjustably secure the tether at a fixed location on the central portion of the tether;
• and
• a staple configured to receive a lock;
• a cover configured to lockably attach to the base, the cover comprising:
• a hasp cooperatively associated with the staple of the base;
• a service condition, wherein the lock is disengaged from the staple and the tether clamp is operable;
• and
• a locked condition, wherein the tether clamp fixes the tether to the base and the staple is engageable with the lock.