Police Want Your Help in Catching AC Thieves

Police are looking for information about a series of air conditioner thefts in Tinley Park.

Thirteen thefts have been reported since January 2013, Tinley Park police said. Most of the air conditioners happened in commercial or industrial areas. Two incidents involved unoccupied houses.

In all cases, it takes thieves only a few minutes to make off with the air conditioners.

READ: Cold Criminals Grab Air Conditioners in Tinley Park

Tinley Park Patch has reported on the thefts for the past two months. In many cases, thieves cut copper tubes and made off with the huge air conditioning units with barely a trace.

Several extra patrols and surveillance of local businesses have yet to lead to the capture of the thieves, police said.

The thefts are happening at night, police said. It takes two people to remove each unit. Portable power tools are used to cut cables and copper tubes. A high-pressure hissing sound emanates from the coppers for a few minutes after they are cut.

READ: Graffiti Artist Paints Mona Lisa on Service Box

Police are searching to two white men driving either a full-size silver or grey Dodge pickup truck or a black Chevy Suburban with gold trim on the bottom.

Anyone with information about the stolen air conditioners can contact Tinley Park Det. Sam Dajani at (708) 444-5372. People should call if they see a vehicle matching the description, spot any suspicious vehicles or people near any air conditioners, or come across a contractor trying to sell off a used unit.

Check Out These Other Crime Stories on Tinley Park Patch:

• Tinley Park Disputes Cop's Discrimination Claims
• More Air Conditioners Disappear in Tinley Park
• 171st St. Construction Starts May 3; Work on LaGrange Delayed Until May 6