Central Fresno church left in the cold after thieves steal two AC units

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Members at a Central Fresno church are waiting for answers after a thief stole, not just one, but two air conditioning units.

The Millbrook Presbyterian Church is a sanctuary for its members, but recently Pastor Jerry Voss found their safe haven was burglarized. "But it turned out to be the two brand new air conditioners we replaced after they were stolen off the roof last year."

Pastor Voss said he learned of the crime Sunday while he was sharing God's word. "I stopped the service and we prayed, and we prayed for the people who did this because this type of behavior has no long-term future."

The Central Fresno church has been burglarized numerous times in the past and has spent more than $50,000 to replace stolen equipment and church materials--

they even paid extra this last time to put an alarm on the units to deter thieves. One positive note is they have security video which they hope will reveal answers. "I am fairly certain as to who this is and the video feeds we play back will identify who this is," said Pastor Voss.

Pastor Voss believes the thieves who did this are selling the material for drug money. He also said despite the crime, his church members are not full of hate. "There is always forgiveness but there is also consequences as well."

The units cost about $12,000 and the church is hoping insurance will pay for the units, but said without it they will have to come up with the money themselves.

Without the two units, there's no heat and air inside the sanctuary. Pastor Voss said he plans to preach a warm message come this Sunday.