Metal thieves targeting commercial air conditioning units

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A new trend is being taken by some businesses and even churches who are fed up with thieves stripping and sometimes stealing their air conditioning units.

Two commercial units were taken just days apart at Trinity Church of the Nazarene. The loss was nearly $20,000. And at Our Savior's Lutheran Church all seven air conditioning units are now armed, after thieves destroyed the main unit to take copper wire.

Turner Security says everyday more businesses are calling to ask for AC security.

Jir Thao with Turner Security said, "A lot of people have resorted to trying to find a way to try to protect their air conditioning units. It's a big epidemic here in town."

The alarm systems are set off when power is disconnected to the unit. That's usually the first move by thieves so they don't get electrocuted. Our Savior's Lutheran Church has also installed security cameras.