There's nothing like the angelic sounds of birds chirping, bees buzzing, or a gentle April breeze; yes, Spring is in the air! And, as the weather warms, so do thieves to the idea of stealing precious metals from your air conditioning unit. Business owners with multiple air conditioners are the typical target, but homeowner, beware as these claims are on the rise as well.
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Thieves are stealing or vandalizing AC units for scrap. They want your copper and other mechanical parts so they can sell it for a few hundred bucks per unit. The cost for a new unit or repair is significantly more and while these are covered insurance claims, you will have to front your deductible and live with the loss on your history.
So how do we combat these thieves? Prevention! Make your AC unit/s one a thief would not consider and quickly move on. How? Here's a few ideas.
- Lock the disconnect box - No one likes being electrocuted!
- Add lighting around AC unit
- Add security cameras
- Fence or cage the unit
- Lock exterior fences making property access difficult
- Secure ladders leading to unit
- Add an AC alarm
- Use tamper resistant screws
- Add a GPS unit on Unit
- Post signs warning of surveillance
- Get a dog
Now some of these suggestions apply more to homeowners and some more to business owners, but any of these will likely send these vandals packing. Sort of like the old adage on security systems; do you actually need the security system or just the sign in your front window?! With the vast majority of AC units unprotected, why would criminals choose to mess with you?
If this has happened to you, you are not alone. Our insurance companies are processing these claims daily. Take preventive measures now to avoid becoming a statistic, and feel free to contact me with questions or concerns.
