65 air-conditioning units stolen in Virginia Beach

Editor's Note: A previous version of this story contained an incorrect phone number for Crime Solvers.

VIRGINIA BEACH

Police are investigating the theft of dozens of air-conditioning units throughout the city in the past four months.

Since May 1, 65 units have been reported missing from businesses and private residences, said Detective Tonya Borman, the Police Department's Crime Solvers coordinator, in an e-mail. The units are valued at more than $200,000, she said.

In some cases, several units were taken from businesses at one time, Borman said. In other cases, unoccupied residences with for-sale signs out front were targeted. Most of the units were broken down into parts, but some were taken whole.

The larcenies have occurred citywide, but the third precinct, which encompasses the northwest corner of the city, has had the most thefts, said Officer Adam Bernstein, a police spokesman.

Air conditioners located in fenced-in yards are best protected, Bernstein said. It also helps to install motion-sensor lights and video surveillance, he said.

In some cases, individuals who have had air conditioners stolen in the past have installed a cage around the unit to prevent further theft, Bernstein said.

Police are asking citizens to look out for suspicious activity and keep an eye on their property and their neighbors' property.

Any suspicious activity can be reported to police at (757) 385-5000.

Police also ask that anyone with information on the stolen air conditioners call Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (562-5887). Tips are anonymous, and anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest or recovery of property may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Kathy Adams, (757) 222-5155, kathy.adams@pilotonline.com