It’s a crime that couldn’t have come at a worse time of the year.
Since August 10, police say crooks have stolen air conditioning units from 19 homes in Northeast Philadelphia. Homeowners on Tolbut, Strahle, Carwithan, Gillespie, Blakiston, Willits, Frankford, Cottage and Jackson Streets have all reported stolen units.
But the thieves aren’t interested in cooling off. Instead they’re trying to make a quick buck by taking copper coils from the units.
“They’re dismantling the unit, spending at least five or ten minutes cutting the lines and taking the coil,” said independent contractor Franco Tallarico, who replaced an AC unit for his neighbor on Friday. “For about $30, that’s all their getting for them.”
While the coils aren't worth much, the damage that the thieves are causing is costing victims thousands as well as leading to heat that’s both uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.
“We went from 60 degrees to 89 in here with four fans working,” said Tony Cruz, a stylist at the Illusions Hair Salon.
The Philadelphia salon was also targeted by the copper crooks. Cruz worries that the thefts might end up costing someone’s life.
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“They have difficulty breathing in their homes or maybe they might be living with oxygen,” said Cruz. “If they remove their air conditioning how can they survive?”
Some Northeast Philadelphia residents plan on setting up security cameras outside their homes as police continue to investigate.
If you have any information, please call the 8th District of the Philadelphia Police Department at 215-686-3080.
