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Thieves targeting A/C units |
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Thursday, 31 July 2008 |
Businesses, resident report damages totaling nearly $30,000
Thefts of air conditioning units are on the rise in Benton, police said.
Units were stolen at five businesses and a residence in July alone.
The rash of thefts has prompted a Benton resident to offer a $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible for the theft of air conditioning units from A.G. Edwards, Benton Foot and Ankle Clinic, Saline County Physical Therapy and Dizzy’s Grill and Bistro.
The resident wants to remain anonymous, police said.
The first theft unit was reported on July 9 when a resident at 904 E. North St. said his unit was gutted for copper tubing and other copper products. Damage was estimated at $500.
On July 18, Arkansas School Band Equipment at 508 Lillian St. reported $2,500 in damages; on July 24, Highland Heights Baptist Church at 1420 Alcoa Road reported two units damaged at a cost of $10,000; on July 28, Saline County Physical Therapy at 1115 Ferguson Drive reported two units damaged at a cost of $4,000; the Wonder Bread store at 1202 Military Road reported a unit damaged at a cost of $3,000; and Dizzy’s reported three units damaged at a cost of $7,500.
Nearly $30,000 in damages was reported, but police said that cost only accounts for damages to the units and does not include losses a business could suffer from damaged products, spoiled food and the loss of customers while repairs are made.
Police Sgt. Kevin Russell said that although the price of copper found inside air conditioning units is at an all-time high, a thief may only net a few dollars. The price for getting caught could cost a thief thousands of dollars and a possible prison sentence.
“The cost of copper is around $3.29 per pound,” Russell said. “A thief may only get a max of $10 to $15 dollars in profit.”
Detective Jennifer Tarvin said a thief “could get charges of theft of property, residential or commercial burglary, possession of an instrument of crime. Those are all felony charges.”
Russell said the department is checking leads, but asks that anyone with information contact the Benton Police Department. He also suggested that people take precautions to better secure their air conditioning units.
“One thing a person can do is have good lighting,” Russell said. “Darkness is a thief’s friend.”
Russell said people may consider investing in alarm systems or guard dogs.
Anyone with information may call the police department at 776-5947, 778-1171 or 315-TIPS.
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