Nov 7, 2008 3:57 pm US/Pacific
Thieves Keeping Air Conditioning Units Hot
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (CBS) ―
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Due to the rise in thefts, many South Florida businesses and homes have resorted to locking away their air conditioners.
Copper has been a lucrative target for thieves for several years, leading many crooks to target air conditioning units from both homes and businesses.
A group of thieves recently targeted Advanced Roofing in Fort Lauderdale, CBS station WFOR-TV reported.
"We had somebody come out here and just clean swipe, unhook the ac units, took them about 2 and a half hours," said Ramona Lupulesku. The crooks carefully removed the units, and then put them into the trunk of a Mercury Marquis.
The theft at Advanced Roofing isn't an isolated incident. In October alone, 13 air conditioners were stolen in Fort Lauderdale. Police believe the suspects are trying to sell the copper inside units for scrap, but much like every other "industry" in the country, copper isn't performing like it did at a few months ago.
"This wire that you're seeing right here was worth about $3.40 three weeks ago. Now, it's only worth about a dollar 20, a dollar 10, 20 a pound," said Howard Rubin of American Scrap Metal.
In addition, if plan on selling the copper for scrap, state law now requires you give your name, thumb print, car information, and have your picture taken.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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