SALISBURY — There has been a recurring offense in law enforcement records over the last few months that isn’t cool.
In the blotter from the weekend, a larceny in the 1200 block of West Innes Street in Salisbury was cited from earlier in the month. The total estimated loss was a quarter of a million dollars. So what was taken? Thieves dismantled the industrial-size HVAC unit on the property.
According to police records, the theft occurred between 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 13 and 3:25 p.m. on Sept. 25 at the former Department of Health and Human Services building.
When the owner returned to the property, he noticed metal on the ground while walking around and ultimately discovered the HVAC had been dismantled with much of it stolen. Law enforcement is testing for fingerprints on various items recovered from the scene with hopes to identify a suspect of some leads but it remains under investigation.
That theft was not even the latest such incident in Salisbury, as law enforcement was dispatched to a rehab facility on Statesville Boulevard on Monday in reference to an attempted HVAC theft.
Last month, thieves stole HVAC units from Salisbury-based veterinarian clinic Lazy 5 Vets. So what is it about HVAC systems that make them targets for theft?
A group called HVAC Experts out of Texas has a blog and features content ranging from installation and maintenance to theft prevention.
“It might seem surprising, but HVAC units have become a hot target for thieves — and it all comes down to what’s inside,” the blog said.
As outlined by the HVAC Experts, these systems contain valuable metals like copper and aluminum which can be “stripped and sold to scrap yards” for quick cash.
“In many cases, thieves aren’t even interested in the equipment itself — just the materials they can resell,” the blog says.
Another thing to consider is the age of the equipment.
“Older units, in particular, are often less protected and easier to access, making them low-risk, high-reward opportunities for criminals,” the blog says.
There are some red flags to watch for related to HVAC theft outlined in the blog.
“If your unit is located in a secluded area of your property, hidden from street view or security lights, it becomes an easier target for thieves looking to strike quickly and quietly,” it says. “Units with exposed copper lines, minimal casing or older locking mechanisms are also more attractive to criminals. Notice damage to the fencing around your outdoor unit or signs that someone’s been tampering — like loose panels or missing screws? That’s a big warning sign. Even a sudden drop in performance could signal that parts have been removed.”
