Rise in Air Conditioning Unit Thefts

Air conditioning units are hot property for thieves. And they're disappearing from Northeast Cobb businesses and churches. Two of four air conditioning units were stolen from Grace Church at Town Center located at Hidden Forest Court on February 15.  The church's air conditioners weren't visible from the street. They were contained behind a brick wall with a wooden door. Thieves removed the two oldest and largest units.

The same day four air conditioning units were stolen from a vacant business located at 2515 East Piedmont Road in broad daylight.

Between Feb. 13 and Feb. 15 the Metro Christian Outreach located at 1588 Willie Drive had its air conditioning units destroyed when the copper was stripped from them.

This month, thieves have targeted construction sites, vacant homes, and more closed businesses.

And that's what thieves are after - copper.

According to Cobb County Police, it is a crime that increases in frequency during a  recession. Air conditioning units are disappearing from properties as thieves steal them to get and sell the copper inside. Thieves take the stolen copper to scrap metal yards and make an instant profit.