The Umansky Law Firm

For many people, this is the wrong season to have your air conditioner go out. Finding out it's because someone wants the copper inside it isn't any better. However, for residents of DeLand, a rise in air conditioner thefts, at least 12 since June 22, and copper thefts is obviously a bad thing.

According to law enforcement, several people have been arrested in the theft of copper from air conditioners from vacant or foreclosed homes, homes with occupants, churches, and businesses. These thefts have allegedly cost victims thousands of dollars in losses. Police say that these arrests may lower the number of future thefts. They allege this is because spikes in crimes like this "are normally attributable to one or two crooks working in an area."

Two men recently arrested for copper theft were allegedly caught in the act. They were found with cutting pliers and bags of copper tubing at the air conditioning units of a business. One of the men was also found in possession of marijuana.

Like many people, police speculate that the rise in copper thefts not just in DeLand, but throughout Florida, is because of the poor economy and the ease of getting scrap metal that quickly sells. For the people who are unemployed and desperate, facing jail, fines, and a criminal record are sadly some of the least of their concerns.

If you have been charged with theft in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm today for a free and confidential case evaluation.