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Independence, MO —
It is possible that this extreme heat may be to blame for a recent crime trend across Independence.
Since mid-July, Independence police have received reports of about 10 cases of residential air conditioner thefts, with about 15 units stolen in total.
But here is what is most interesting about these thefts, said Independence Police spokesman Tom Gentry: The thieves aren’t simply snipping the AC unit wires for copper. They are stealing the entire units, properly disconnecting the air conditioners, even closing off the Freon or cooling agent to preserve it.
All that is left behind are the empty leveling pads where AC units were once installed.
“They’re selling the entire air conditioner,” Gentry said. “I think it’s due to the heat – they’re able to sell these things.”
While the thefts have mostly taken place on the west side of town, the reports also have come in from east of 23rd Street and Missouri 291. Police believe several suspects are involved. One is described as a black male, 5-foot-10, heavy set and bald. Another black male suspect is described as 6-foot, 200 pounds, with short hair.
In several of the incidents, someone was at home when the AC units were stolen. In their police reports, they described hearing a loud pop or a loud bang. In one case, a black male was suspected of trying to steal a AC unit – he never left his truck, in that instance.
Vehicle descriptions are varied, including a GMC pickup, gray, with blue stripes down the side. Another vehicle description is a dark sport utility vehicle, with a dark color on the top and red on the bottom. A truck of unknown color, possibly a two-tone Chevy, also was reported.
The best method in preventing these crimes, Gentry said, is neighbors getting to know one another, especially through neighborhood watch groups.
“It’s neighbors working together and partnering with us,” he said. “Anything suspicious, hit 911 and call us. We’d rather come out and check it out than have to do a report and try to recover someone’s air conditioner.”
Gentry also suggested residents let their neighbors know if they plan to have an air conditioner unit worked on.
“I’m sure it does have something to do with the heat,” Gentry said of the thefts. “We’re trying to track these guys down, but we just beg the public to please work with us, partner with us, let us know when they see anything suspicious.”
It is possible that this extreme heat may be to blame for a recent crime trend across Independence.
Since mid-July, Independence police have received reports of about 10 cases of residential air conditioner thefts, with about 15 units stolen in total.
But here is what is most interesting about these thefts, said Independence Police spokesman Tom Gentry: The thieves aren’t simply snipping the AC unit wires for copper. They are stealing the entire units, properly disconnecting the air conditioners, even closing off the Freon or cooling agent to preserve it.
All that is left behind are the empty leveling pads where AC units were once installed.
“They’re selling the entire air conditioner,” Gentry said. “I think it’s due to the heat – they’re able to sell these things.”
While the thefts have mostly taken place on the west side of town, the reports also have come in from east of 23rd Street and Missouri 291. Police believe several suspects are involved. One is described as a black male, 5-foot-10, heavy set and bald. Another black male suspect is described as 6-foot, 200 pounds, with short hair.
In several of the incidents, someone was at home when the AC units were stolen. In their police reports, they described hearing a loud pop or a loud bang. In one case, a black male was suspected of trying to steal a AC unit – he never left his truck, in that instance.
Vehicle descriptions are varied, including a GMC pickup, gray, with blue stripes down the side. Another vehicle description is a dark sport utility vehicle, with a dark color on the top and red on the bottom. A truck of unknown color, possibly a two-tone Chevy, also was reported.
The best method in preventing these crimes, Gentry said, is neighbors getting to know one another, especially through neighborhood watch groups.
“It’s neighbors working together and partnering with us,” he said. “Anything suspicious, hit 911 and call us. We’d rather come out and check it out than have to do a report and try to recover someone’s air conditioner.”
Gentry also suggested residents let their neighbors know if they plan to have an air conditioner unit worked on.
“I’m sure it does have something to do with the heat,” Gentry said of the thefts. “We’re trying to track these guys down, but we just beg the public to please work with us, partner with us, let us know when they see anything suspicious.”
