Are you familiar with the phrase, “a crime of opportunity”? Well, this is what ground level air conditioner units have become for some criminals – a crime of opportunity. Over the past few months, an increase in the volume of ground level home air conditioner thefts has occurred in the Chicagoland area.

Thieves are targeting homes with ground level air conditioners to retrieve the precious copper metal maintained within the unit. This metal can offer a financial gain when taken for resale at metal re-distributors and scrap yards. Currently, the price for copper can yield $2.00 per pound. This can prove very lucrative for thieves when submitting large loads for resale. However, the theft can be very costly for property owners. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, stealing $100 worth of copper can often cause $5,000 worth of damage. Copper comes in numerous forms. It can come in tubing, electrical wiring, coils, and large sheets. Copper thieves are known to dismantle your air conditioner and remove the copper parts inside. In some cases, the thieves have removed the entire air conditioner unit. Copper thieves choose to target residential homes for its ability to remain discreet. Most thieves pose as home improvement contractors.

Property owners can help to reduce “crime of opportunity” in their neighborhood. There are techniques to help limit victimization. Property owners may padlock their power disconnect box with a quality steel type padlock. This type of lock makes it difficult, if not impossible, to cut the lock. Home improvement stores offer many brands of these locks for under $20. Anything that can be done to limit the reward and make the theft more difficult will substantially reduce the probability of occurrence.

Please remain vigilant and call the police department in the event you witness suspicious or unidentified subjects in yards where air conditioner units are located. Be observant of suspicious individuals working on vacant homes. With your help, the Village of South Holland can combat this crime and prevent victimization of our residents and property. Be observant and be safe!