VBPD: 65 A/C units stolen since May

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Since May 1, police say 65 air conditioning units have been stolen from businesses and homes in the City of Virginia Beach. The value of the units is estimated at over $200,000.

Officials told WAVY.com that in some cases the entire unit is stolen, but in most cases, the unit is broken down on site. The coils and other valuable metals are taken.

In the cases involving private homes, the residence is usually unoccupied with 'For Sale' signs posted in the yard.

Peter Kwick Inc. is a staple of Virginia Beach Boulevard. It used to be a house, but in 1962 it became a business. However, even an established shop is not immune to crime. Its A/C unit was stolen over the weekend.

"It was amazing," said employee Sharifa Williams. "How do you take something that big?"

 "It was huge. There was no way one person could do that alone. It had to be more than one person," Williams continued.

All over the city you can find units that have disappeared or have been gutted.

"I know that we are in a recession and times are hard, but honestly this hurts small businesses like us," said Williams.

Police are asking that everyone be vigilant of suspicious activity, particularly at night. They say to keep an eye out for your neighbor's property as well.

If you see anything suspicious, call Virginia Beach Police at 385-5000 or call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.