Thieves Steal Copper from A.C. Units in Beverly, Morgan Park

Copper thieves have been raiding yards in the early morning hours and stealing parts or whole central air conditioning units while residents are sleeping inside.

The Morgan Park District 22 police has issued a community alert warning residents to call 911 if they spot a suspicious vehicle or people in alleys looking into yards, carrying tools or “working” on central air conditioners.

Multiple central air-conditioning units were reported stolen May 3, May 4 and May 5 in the area of 99th Street between Leavitt and Beverly. All of the thefts have occurred between 2 and 5:30 a.m.

The most recent rash follows up a similar string of heists that occurred last December. The central air units are coveted by thieves for their copper.

Police offer the following tips for safeguarding their air conditioning units:

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