Thieves Pilfer Copper and Central AC Units in Mt. Greenwood

Residents can thwart copper thieves by installing a cage or guard over their central air-conditioning units.

Copper thieves are at it again, raiding yards and making off with parts or whole central air conditioning units while residents are asleep inside their homes.

Morgan Park 22nd District police report five central air units have been stolen in Mt. Greenwood between Nov. 30 and Dec. 5. The thefts occur late at night or in the early morning hours, between 2 and 5:30 a.m.

Thefts have been reported at:

• 11200 Block of Spaulding
• 11100 Block of Albany
• 3600 Block of West 116th
• 11100 Block of Washtenaw

A similar pattern of central air unit thefts occurred this time last year, which may mean copper thieves may be trying to earn some quick cash for holiday shopping at residents’ expense.

Police offer the following tips for safeguarding your air conditioning unit:

Residents may also want to installing a cage that can fit over the unit and secured with a lock to prevent copper thefts.