Written by Michael Haines  01/10/2024 The recent theft at the Sweet Communion Baptist Church in Milwaukee is a great example, shedding light on an increasingly worrisome issue. This church, along with many other businesses and homeowners, has fallen victim to the theft of their HVAC units, which include valuable components like gas furnaces and heat pumps. This alarming event stresses the importance of safeguarding these units.

The Rising Rate of HVAC Thefts and Their Motives

The unwelcome event at the Milwaukee church is not an isolated incident. It is part of a growing trend of HVAC thefts. The culprits are not after the gas furnace or the heat pump components of the units. Instead, they are drawn to the valuable copper materials within them. Copper boasts a high resale value, making HVAC units attractive targets for thieves.

Copper has earned its place in the manufacturing of HVAC systems as a result of its great heat conductivity, making it an indispensable component in HVAC systems. However, these same characteristics that make copper essential in HVAC units also render it a sought-after item in the illegal market.

Copper is akin to gold in the scrap metal market. It fetches a high price, making it a lucrative steal for thieves. It is often referred to as thief’s gold. This is why thieves dismantle an HVAC unit and extract the copper to sell it on the black market, turning a tidy profit. One of the reasons that fuel this theft pandemic is the lack of strict regulations.

The escalating global cost of copper in recent times has stoked the flames of this issue as well. With the ongoing surge in copper's demand and value, the temptation for criminals to exploit HVAC units for their copper content similarly grows. This shows the importance of implementing robust security measures for HVAC systems.

Copper Thefts Across the Globe is a Widespread Issue

The theft at the Sweet Communion Baptist Church is not an isolated incident but part of a troubling global pattern. Multiple reports have emerged from across the globe, highlighting the growing issue of copper thefts.

In the United Kingdom, for instance, the British Transport Police have reported an upswing in copper cable thefts from railway lines. The thieves, motivated by the high resale value of copper, risk their lives to steal these cables, often causing major disruptions to train services.

In South Africa, copper theft has intensified alarmingly, earning it the nickname "the second pandemic." The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry suggests an annual loss of close to R7 billion as a consequence of copper theft. This illegal activity has great ramifications, targeting businesses and vital public utilities and infrastructure, resulting in electricity blackouts and interrupted communication services.

Closer to home in the United States, besides the church incident, copper theft is a pervasive issue affecting various sectors. Construction sites, vacant homes, and even public utilities have fallen victim to copper thieves. In some states, thieves even strip abandoned buildings of copper wiring.

HVAC Thefts and Their Effect on The Community

The theft of HVAC units extends beyond the financial implications for the victims. It feeds into the larger issue of the illegal scrap metal market, with copper theft being a major contributor. This illicit trade has its own effects on society, increasing local crime rates and causing community disruption. Securing HVAC units is more than individual property protection. It's an important step in the larger fight against metal theft. By making HVAC units harder to steal, we can deter these crimes and disrupt the market that fuels them. 

ASHRAE, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, recognizes this problem. It advocates for the creation and enforcement of strict regulations to secure HVAC units and curb this trend. 

Why are HVAC Units Vulnerable and How to Secure Them?

HVAC units are often located outside buildings. This makes them accessible and, therefore, susceptible to theft. Thieves prefer to strike under the cover of darkness or when the building is unoccupied. The Sweet Communion Baptist Church in Milwaukee was a victim of this strategy, with thieves striking repeatedly and going up the roof to dismantle and steal the units.

Given the escalating threat, securing HVAC units is no longer optional but necessary for every homeowner or business. The first step to securing an HVAC unit is establishing a strong physical barrier. This could be a protective cage or a fence that surrounds the HVAC units, making them difficult to access. In the face of persistent threats, alarm systems serve as an effective deterrent. 

Today's security systems offer plenty of features, including motion sensors, noise alarms, and direct alerts to your phone or a security company. If a thief attempts to tamper with your HVAC unit, the alarm will trigger, frightening away the intruder and alerting you or a security company about the attempted theft. 

Adequate lighting around the HVAC unit can also serve as a significant deterrent. Therefore, a well-lit area will persuade them to look elsewhere for their copper. When this is paired with a surveillance system, such as CCTV cameras, can significantly boost the security of your HVAC units.

While the theft at the Sweet Communion Baptist Church in Milwaukee is disheartening, it serves as a reminder of the importance of HVAC unit security. This should serve as a wake-up call, prompting us to secure our HVAC systems and play our part in promoting community safety.