Crime & Safety

Thefts Of Air Conditioner Units On The Rise

Numerous thefts of air conditioner units have been reported around the area.

Several Delaware County police departments are investigating the thefts of outdoor air conditioning compressor/condenser units from commercial properties, according to police. 

and Radnor Township Police departments have reported numerous thefts of these outdoor units.

On Sept. 22, Marple police responded to 2002 Sproul Road in Broomall at the Marple Commons office buildings complex where it was reported that 10 HVAC units were stolen. According to police, the units were cut and taken from the exterior of the building.

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"Thieves are targeting these units due to their ability to sell them as scrap metal," said Lt. Chris Lunn of . "These units can be very heavy and contain copper, aluminum and other various metals."

Lunn said many homes and businesses have these air conditioning units outside their residences or buildings but businesses have been currently targeted.

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"Presently, businesses have been targeted probably because the buildings are unoccupied during the night," said Lunn. "With the weather getting cooler, these thefts could go unnoticed for several months."

Police urge residents to continually check on their outdoor air conditioning unit that it is still there and to keep an eye out for people targeting these units.

Any suspicious persons or activities should be reported to your local police. For non-emergencies, you can contact the Newtown Police Department at (610) 356-0601 or the Marple Police Department at (610) 356-1500.


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