Sylvester Police make break in AC unit thefts - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Sylvester Police make break in AC thefts

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By Stephanie Springer - bio | email

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SYLVESTER, GA -

By  Stephanie Springer  - bio | email

SYLVESTER, GA (WALB) – A rash of AC thefts is keeping Sylvester police busy. Thieves are targeting homes, businesses, even an old school house, but police just made a big break on the case.

Wednesday, Investigators arrested a man they believe is responsible for the majority of these AC thefts. They found out by talking to alert witnesses who happened to see the man during some of these thefts.

Lately, Nakeyia Brown has been on high alert. "We used to have the front door closed, but now we have the front door opened we be looking out the window and stuff," said Brown.

She says yesterday someone stole her neighbors air conditioning unit, right out from under her nose. Something no one wants to be missing in this hot south Georgia weather.

Over the past few months investigators have been trying to piece together several air conditioning thefts reported in the city. "They are taking them from apartments, school buildings, duplexes they are really just showing disregard for everything," said Investigator Calvin Cleveland, Sylvester Police Department.

But after talking with several witnesses, Investigators made a big break."We have taken warrants out on a Craig Cark for the thefts of the units," said Cleveland.

Police believe Clark is responsible for the majority of the AC unit thefts in the city."These guys have been targeting the air conditioning units because of the coils being so heavy and copper going up,"

And for a lot of work, only bring in a little cash."The guys are getting $60.00 for a $4,000 unit," said Cleveland.

And leaves the victim in hot water, "If they file it on their home insurance it takes a while to get their air conditioner unit replaced. A lot of people don't have home insurance and they have to come out of pocket and a lot of people don't have the money," said Cleveland.

Investigators say keep an eye out on your unit and your neighbors. Also putting up a fence can help protect your unit from possible thieves.

Investigators say they are also working with the Environmental Protection Agency on this case. They say every time you cut a line to a air conditioning unit freon is released. So in addition to criminal charges investigators say Clark could also face federal charges.

Those charges include criminal damage to property and felony theft by taking.

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