Thieves targeting air conditioning units in south Wichita neighborhood

Police are seeking the public’s assistance in solving a recent rash of burglaries targeting air conditioning units in a south Wichita neighborhood.

A two-block area has become a “hot spot” for burglaries and larcenies recently, Lt. Joe Schroeder said. There have been five burglaries since mid-September in a two-block area that includes the 1700 block of South Water and the 1600 block of South Market. That’s near Harry.

Criminals have been targeting vacant rental properties, Schroeder said, stealing air conditioning units from detached garages. Two detectives have been assigned to the crime spree, and police would like anyone who has noticed suspicious activity to call the burglary section at 316-268-4570.

Anyone who notices strangers working on air conditioners or loitering in their area should call 911, Schroeder said.

“We would rather come out and check individuals and find out they had legitimate reasons to be there” than to not hear about activity and find out later that the burglars have struck again, he said.

Thieves are targeting copper and scrap metal in air conditioning units, Schroeder said. Often, the cost of replacing the units is much higher than the value of the material scavenged from them.

This story was originally published October 1, 2014 at 2:22 PM with the headline "Thieves targeting air conditioning units in south Wichita neighborhood."