Police: Man stole AC units from church

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - Police say they were tipped about a man separating stolen air conditioning units for copper parts by his girlfriend.

According to the Portsmouth Police Department, investigators found several stolen air conditioning units in 34-year-old Jason Sweet's backyard. They traced serial numbers on the units to Bethany Baptist Church on Portsmouth Boulevard, Inner Space Systems and American Fleet Services on Elmhurst Lane, Zoots Dry Cleaners on Airline Boulevard and Belle Hall Apartments.

Officers say they saw Sweet in the process of stripping the units and separating them into piles of copper and steel.

Bethany Baptist Church replaced the units and say they are thankful to Sweet's girlfriend and others who turned him in.

"We see this as answered prayer we marked it off the list now," Greg Lambert said.

Air conditioner thefts are increasing since the price of copper is high. Police say you can protect your air conditioning unit with an alarm system.