Reports: Bandits make off with copper from A/C units in south Manatee

By BETH BURGER
bburger@bradenton.com

MANATEE — Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies are investigating a series of copper thefts from residences in the southern part of the county Saturday morning, according to incident reports.

There were eight reports of stolen copper parts taken from air-conditioning units from homes in the following locations: 7100 block of 24th Court East, and 2200 through 2300 blocks of 72nd Avenue East.

Deputies believe the copper was taken between just after midnight and 4:30 a.m.

Thieves often steal copper to redeem it for cash at scrap metal yards, authorities say. As a result the air-conditioning units are often damaged and require replacement.

Anyone with any information about the thefts can contact the sheriff’s office at 747-3011 or remain anonymous and possibly become eligible for a cash reward by calling Crime Stoppers at (866)634-TIPS (8477).