Air conditioning thefts leave victims hot under collar

SUMMERVILLE, SC (WCSC) - Business owners at two business parks arrived at work Monday morning to find out their air conditioners had either stolen or destroyed, authorities said.

As many as ten air conditioning units were targeted at the Parkway Business Center on Highway 78.

Authorities said thieves took out the copper from the units to most likely sell for cash.

"I didn't like it too much, it's terrible," said business owner Vernon Washington.

With no working air conditioner, another victim who asked not to be identified, had to open their doors because it was too hot.

"It's hot and I was really happy it wasn't 100 degrees outside yet. It's just ridiculous, there's no sense in it because they destroyed $5,000 in equipment for $100 worth of copper," said the woman who is an office manager at one of the businesses.

Another business park on Varnfield Drive was targeted last week and over the weekend, according to police.

One business was spared. The owners have cameras pointing right at their air conditioning unit.

"They're looking at the AC unit, so I'm sure the robbers saw that and decided not to get put on film," said business owner Tom Noble.

Officer said it's hard to catch the crooks in the act because the air conditioners are behind the buildings in a dark area. "There could be an officer driving by when these folks are actually stealing the units and they wouldn't know," said Summerville Police Capt. Jon Rogers.

Both Summerville Police and the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office are investigating.

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at 554-1111.