Are AC units the new catalytic converters? Thieves target window units in California

Are AC units the new catalytic converters? Thieves target window units in California The thefts have taken a ‘toll on working conditions’ amid high temperatures, according to police officials - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments California thieves are targeting air-conditioning units to strip for copper parts, according to reports. The theft of the valuable copper parts echoes the targeting of catalytic converters, from the bottom of cars, which contain precious metals. Thieves will steal the equipment, then sell the parts for the metals. The Pasadena Police Department told KTLA 5 that at least six businesses have been targeted in recent weeks, with a pet hospital, two small businesses and a bakery all falling victim to the thieves targeting air conditioning units. Each of those four businesses has now been left without air conditioning. Darlene Lopez, who works at the Pasadena Animal Hospital, told the outlet that the business was forced to bring in swamp coolers to keep their patients cool amid high temperatures in California. The temperatures are around mid- to high-80s in the area throughout the week. “We have our patients in the cooler area of the hospital,” Lopez told the outlet. Pasadena Chief Communications Officer Lisa Derderian confirmed to CBS News that Sweet Red Peach, a bakery, and the Petsadena Animal Hospital were among those targeted. “Both continue to conduct business, but it has had an impact financially,” Derderian said. “And with unseasonably high temperatures the past several days, it takes a toll on working conditions.” Both businesses have turned to using portable AC units and ice to keep their workers cool. The Pasadena Police Department told NBC Los Angeles that they responded to reports of a theft at Sweet Red Peach on the evening of July 14. Earlier that day, the fiancée of business owner Daniel Griffin noticed that the building was hotter than usual. Eventually, a technician determined that half of the copper wiring inside the AC unit had been taken by thieves. The stolen wire was worth around $4,000. The damaged air conditioning unit was valued at around $11,000, but the technician noted that the entire system would need to be replaced. Griffin told the outlet that he believes that the thieves struck between 12.30 a.m. and 7.15 a.m., possibly using a collapsible ladder to target the units on the roof of the business. Jeremy Melton, the CEO of Impact Service Group, told 11Alive that the copper wiring and tubing inside AC units can be cut up and taken to a recycling yard, where it is sold for money. Then, the copper parts are scrapped. Melton continued by saying that he had called up a local scrapyard, with an official saying that they offered $4.50 per pound of copper, with copper coils being bought for $2.30 per pound. He says that an AC unit could contain as much as 100 pounds of copper, depending on the unit’s size. The targeting of AC Units is similar to the thefts aimed at catalytic converters, a car part that contains rhodium. The precious metal is used because of its resistance to high temperatures and corrosion. Catalytic converters are devices that transform toxic gases and pollutants into less toxic pollutants. For example, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides can be converted into carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water vapor. Rhodium was priced at over $12,000 per ounce in February 2026, according to Trading Economics. Catalytic converters also contain the valuable metals platinum and palladium. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments