Click here for updates on this story
OMAHA, Neb. (KETV) — Empty homes in new neighborhoods under construction are easy targets for thieves.
“It makes it challenging for us to investigate these crimes without any witnesses,” said Capt. Steve Glandt with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department. “There’s not a lot of people around to act as witnesses and report suspicious activity.”
“They’re bulky and not one person can do it all by themselves,” Glandt said.
He said even though no one has seen the thieves ripping out and carrying out the 120 pound units, the criminals are leaving behind clues.
“These people have some experience with heating and air. They have some knowledge,” Glandt said.
Sheriff’s reports in both Douglas and Sarpy counties describe the suspects’ behavior: how they “took their time once inside,” “turned off the gas,” and “neatly tied off electrical lines.”
“They’re disconnecting these furnaces that have already been installed, so they know what they’re doing,” Glandt said.
In his 25 years in the business, Greg Curtis with A1 Heating and Air said he’s never seen such a high demand for a hot commodity.
“Being that I’ve done this a long time and we’re seeing this many, it is alarming,” Curtis said.
Curtis said the robbers are doing a lot of damage.
“Builders are walking down the stairs to torn up duct system, drag marks across the floor and sometimes plumbing removed too,” said Curtis.
And messing with the equipment can be dangerous, he said.
“A gas furnace has natural gas that runs through it and if that is not installed by a licensed installer, no one can guarantee how it’s going to act or what it’s going to do,” he warned.
Glandt said you can protect yourself from buying a stolen furnace. If the price is too low, it’s probably stolen. He said ask for permits and warranty papers.
Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.
