Montco Burglars Hid Inside HVAC Unit On Roof: Police

UPPER MERION, PA — Two men attempting to steal copper from an old print production plant in Montgomery County tried to hide out from authorities inside an HVAC unit, police said.

The incident occurred on Monday, Oct. 16 at around 9:55 a.m. on 800 River Road in Upper Merion, the location of the old Philadelphia Inquirer plant.

The pair had brought with them tools and equipment typically used to disaseemble pipes and machinery to steal copper, according to authorities.

A witness saw the men moving across the roof of the building and called police.

Officers from Upper Merion, West Conshohocken, and Whitemarsh responded to the scene and searched the building, but could not find the men for more than an hour and a half. Finally officers noticed a latch that was left unsecured on one of the HVAC units on the roof, and found the two suspects huddled inside, partially hidden by a large motor, police said.

The suspects were taken into custody without incident and charged with burglary, criminal trespass, and related counts. They were booked at Montgomery County Correctional Facility and a preliminary hearing is forthcoming.