Were You Burglarized By An AC Repair Man? OCSD Looking For Victims

MISSION VIEJO, CA — A man posing as an air conditioning maintenance worker burglarized over 10 residents of Laguna Woods Village, according to Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Now, Investigators are seeking additional victims.

Deputies on April 29 arrested a suspect in Laguna Woods Village after residents reported a suspicious man trying to gain access to their homes.

"Residents told deputies the man identified himself as a city employee tasked with cleaning the air conditioning equipment," OCSD Public

The suspect would knock on doors and tell elderly residents he needed to inspect or clean their air conditioning vents. Once inside the house, the suspect walked from room to room to steal items of value, such as jewelry and checks.

As OCSD investigators worked the case, they learned the suspect sold several items to pawn shops in Orange and Los Angeles counties. Several items were identified as stolen from the Laguna Woods community.

Aaron Thrasher, a 28-year-old resident of Mission Viejo, was arrested and booked April 29 on several felony and misdemeanor charges, including burglary, possession of burglary tools and property theft from the elderly. He was being held on $350,000 bail and is expected to appear in court on May 9.

He listed his occupation upon booking as an HVAC Repair Technician.

So far, OCSD investigators have identified 10 victims of Thrasher, but they believe there are more and they believe he specifically targeted the elderly. Anyone who believes they might have been a victim is encouraged to contact OCSD investigators at 714-647-7000.

Investigators also are looking for the rightful owners of the property pictured below.

This case serves as an important reminder to always be on guard when individuals show up unannounced asking for access to your home. It is not uncommon for criminals to pose as delivery, maintenance or utility workers.

Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:

• Do not open your door. Speak to the individual through a closed door and ask for identifying information.
• Even if the individual is wearing a uniform and has what appears to be a valid identification, call your association or city to confirm they have assigned workers to your residence.
• Ask for the company’s information and tell the individual to wait while you call to confirm work is scheduled for your home.
• If you believe the person to be suspicious, report the individual to deputies immediately.

OCSD photos