More AC Units Stolen From Vacant Homes

Two reports of stolen AC units at vacant homes, both within half a mile of one another near Lake Lucerne Road, were reported the week of June 16 — around the same time as when AC units were reported stolen at three unoccupied homes near Cole Drive. 

Gwinnett police spokesman Cpl. Jake Smith said there may be a connection with all of the thefts. 

"Detectives and the officers in that precinct are aware of the pattern and are investigating," said Smith in an email. 

The first incident, reported June 17 on the 1600 block of Bend River Drive, had one of the HVAC units stolen, valued at $2,000. A realtor company in Atlanta called the incident in to Gwinnett police and are handling the situation on behalf of the homeowner, who resides in Buford. The report says the incident took place from 11 a.m. June 14 to 6 p.m. June 16. 

On June 18, a second incident was reported, this one on the 1600 block of Lake Lucerne Road. The victim, a 57-year-old from Stone Mountain, told police that two air conditioning units were stolen from his vacant Lilburn home from noon June 11 to 9 a.m. June 18. Only the compressors were left behind. 

The homeowner said he finished renovations on the home a week prior and had placed a "For Rent" sign outside. 

The combined value of the two AC units is estimated to be $6,000.