The red dots on this map of Clearwater show locations of recent air conditioning units.
CLEARWATER – Clearwater Police report that since October 19, there have been at least 16 air conditioning unit thefts and copper thefts that seem to be related.
The incidents happened at 11 businesses, four churches, a school and a residence. In most cases, the air conditioning units were at the back of the building or in a secluded area, the police report said.
In two cases, the air conditioner was on the roofs of the buildings, and in only one case was the building vacant.
The thefts were originally happening in the Sunset Point Road and North Highland Avenue area, but the latest thefts are in the Gulf to Bay Boulevard and Cleveland Street area.
The thefts appear to be happening during the night.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Clearwater Police Tip Line at 562-4080 and press 2, or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 800-873-TIPS or submit a text online at www.crimestoppersofpinellas.com or text a tip to CRIMES, type in TIP144 and then the information.