BATH, Pa. — HanoverView Animal Hospital is asking the community for help identifying thieves who stole outdoor air conditioning units early Monday.
According to a Facebook post from the animal hospital, two of the outdoor air conditioning units were dismantled and stolen about 4 a.m. Monday.
Fortunately, the hospital staff said it added security cameras during a renovation and was able to catch video footage of the culprits.
“We are currently working with the police (who are currently at the hospital — so do not be alarmed if you see them)."HanoverView Animal Hospital post on Facebook
“We are currently working with the police (who are currently at the hospital — so do not be alarmed if you see them)," the Facebook post reads.
"Please be extra kind to our staff. It is warm in the building and we are working to get new units installed as soon as possible.”
Staff members are asking anyone who drove by the hospital at 7122 Beth Bath Pike between the hours of 4 and 5 a.m. to reach out if they saw anything.
While they have video of thieves carrying pieces of the equipment into a cornfield at 4:28 a.m., “any help is always welcome!” the staff posted.
'A quick buck'
According to MBI HVAC Inc., theft of outdoor air conditioners and other HVAC equipment is usually motivated by the value of scrap metal, which can be sold for quick cash.
"Thieves looking to make a quick buck will often destroy the entire condenser to harvest these valuable metals.”The MBI HVAC Inc. website
“The copper and aluminum coils, fins and other miscellaneous parts in your AC’s condenser unit are only a small portion of your system," the MBI HVAC Inc. website states.
"Thieves looking to make a quick buck will often destroy the entire condenser to harvest these valuable metals.”
The disparity between the cost of repairs to the unit and the small returns a thief could make off of selling the scrap metal makes the crime particularly painful for those who have to foot the service bill.
According to Miller Recycling Corporation, demand for scrap aluminum and copper may be on the rise in 2024, though price points for such scrap may remain relatively low.
News of the theft broke just as HanoverView was set to celebrate its veterinary assistants, who hospital officials say “play a critical role in keeping everything running smoothly and on time — we could not do it without them!"
This story is developing, and will be updated as new information becomes available.
