EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Las Cruces Police Department is seeking your help in identifying the individuals involved in stealing HVAC systems throughout the city since January and causing over $1.5 million in losses, read the news release sent on Wednesday, July 9.
According to a news release by LCPD, someone, a pair, or possibly a group of thieves, has been targeting centralized rooftop HVAC systems at commercial and residential structures.
LCPD said that the suspects are possibly targeting the HVAC systems for their components, such as copper and aluminum, which can be easily recycled or scrapped for cash.
Additionally, copper and aluminum have also been stolen from electrical panels, ground-based air conditioning units and cell phone towers, LCPD said.
LCPD said that, due to the risks and difficulty of the thefts, such as climbing on the roofs of large buildings and removing bulky materials, they believe the crimes are likely being committed by more than one person, possibly a small group.
Moreover, LCPD said the reported thefts have been committed during the overnight hours, and the damage estimate ranges from $20,000 per occurrence to over $200,000.
Police are urging the public, owners and managers of large commercial buildings to stay vigilant and evaluate their property for space, roof access, lighting and security needs.
Anyone with information on who might be committing these crimes is asked to call Las Cruces Police at (575) 526-0795.
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