Copper stolen from free clinic's units

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - The staff at Chesapeake Care Center stepped outside Wednesday morning to see five heating and air conditioning units stripped of copper parts.

Police said thieves can usually get a few hundred dollars for the copper. The organization's executive director Cathy Revell told 10 On Your Side the loss is worth approximately $20,000.

Photos: Copper stolen from units

"We're all out here trying to do the best we can, so why hurt others so you can get a few dollars in your pocket?" clinic patient Donna Hodges said.

She is one of 1,800 patients who received health and dental care last year at the clinic on South Military Highway.  Revell said the clinic plans to put in fencing and cameras to protect the rest of their units, which is going to cost them more money that is tight in the first place. 

"I probably would not be here today if not for this clinic," Hodges said.

10 On Your Side checked with police in Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Norfolk and Suffolk. None are experiencing a spike in copper thefts, but all agree the crime has been common during the past couple of years.

If you have any information about the incident, contact Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.