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The Las Cruces Police Department said through a news release that centralized HVAC systems on large commercial buildings in Las Cruces have been the target of a string of serial thefts since January 2025.
Currently, the damages accumulated exceed $1.5 million, according to the news release.
Throughout the year multiple large commercial and residential buildings have reported stolen HVAC systems. The summer has not caused the perpetrators to halt their operation. Since April the number the thefts have only increased, according to LCPD.
The LCPD suspect the thieves are after HVAC systems for their valuable materials, namely copper and aluminum metals. Once obtained, the materials are broken down to be recycled or scrapped for cash.
While the primary target are HVAC systems, electrical panels, ground-based air-cooling units and cell phone towers have also been damaged or stolen for the copper and aluminum components.
While the thieves are able to make a quick buck, the LCPD said through the release that the cost of damages after every occurrence range from $20,000 to $200,000.
The LCPD said it does not know the number of thieves, but believe there is more than one due to the scale of the crimes. Stealing an HVAC system often require scaling large buildings to remove large, heavy materials.
Under the cover of the dark, the thieves prefer to work at night or on the weekends when businesses are closed, the LCPD said. There is no specific area the perpetrators prefer to stick to, which means any large building in the city is a potential target.
LCPD Public Information Officer, Danny Trujillo, said police urge business owners to take precautions when it comes to their HVAC systems.
“We ask manager or owners of large buildings to survey their area to see if they’ve noticed anybody suspicious in their area,” Trujillo said. “Make sure their roof is not easily accessible. And when I say roof, not all of these HVAC systems are on the roofs, but most of them are, but make sure these HVAC systems are not accessible.”
He also recommended businesses have security systems in place with cameras located around the building.
The LCPD have asked anyone with information regarding the identities of the theives to call (575) 526-0795.
