Saturday, May 29, 2010

Use Of GPS Tracking Devices Announced In Battle Against Air Conditioner Snatchers Targeting Vacant, Foreclosed Homes

In Central Florida, Hernando Today reports:
  • The Hernando County Sheriff's Office has reported an increase in the number of air-conditioning unit thefts in Royal Highlands. There have been three reports during the past three weeks, deputies said. Units of all sizes are being stolen and some parts also have been removed, according to a media release.

  • The sheriff's office announced it would begin using GPS tracking devices inside the units and unit parts, which could help authorities track down the culprits. Earlier this year, detectives placed warning stickers on houses that were under foreclosure or vacant. They were designed to alert would-be thieves that some of the appliances inside the homes had tracking devices, deputies said. Two people were arrested earlier this year as a result of the tracking devices.

Source: Air-conditioning units stolen in Royal Highlands, deputies say.

See also, WTSP-TV Channel 10: Rise in AC thefts in Hernando County, deputies blame snowbird off-season.