Police step up patrols after rash of AC thefts

MIAMI (WSVN) -- A string of air conditioning unit thefts has put a neighborhood on high alert, and now police plan to step up patrols to try and put a stop to the crooks responsible.

Business after business in Liberty City has been hit, stripped of some pricey necessities. It has been going on for months, and business owners are fed up. They went to the mayor Wednesday, and were pleased when they got what they were looking for.

The community came together to try to solve this problem that has affected many. "This community has been plagued with thefts recently," said a resident.

Rev. Derrick Anderson of the Zion Funeral Home said he had his air conditioning unit stolen right off his building's roof, only a few weeks ago.

Christopher King of Economic Development said, "We're used to them tearing it open, taking copper out the inside of it, but for them to take the whole unit off the Building..."

Addonis Parker, a local artist, saw his business hit. "First it's the copper, then it's the compressor and now it's the whole unit," he said. "I think we're all affected by that, and we're tired."

Juanita Walker owns a daycare and had her air conditioner stolen. "We got to figure out how to get these people to stop hitting us like this," she said. "It's costing us so much money."

So they sat down with Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado to ask him for help. He listened and designated a police officer just for this neighborhood. "It's going to be a full-time, big cop in the area that will be visiting businesses and checking during the night, in the morning hours," said the mayor.

That police officer will patrol the Liberty City area from 54th Street up to 62nd Street and from Seventh Avenue over to 12th Avenue. He will start some time in January, probably the second week.

If you have any information on these crimes, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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