It's tough enough to run a business without someone stealing from you.
In the last six months, a building in the city of Roanoke has become a repeat target of thieves.
And the owner is frustrated.
If you drive on Orange Avenue, you're probably familiar with the building. It's located at the busy intersection with Gus Nicks Boulevard, and houses Replay Games and Indulgence Salon and Spa.
Everything looks fine out front, but repeated damage to the air conditioning units in back has cost the owner of the building and his insurance company thousands of dollars.
Jessie Wolfe manages the front desk at Indulgence Salon. "I thought somebody was joking, because it has happened so many times," she told us. "And then all three were gone this time, so it just looks like someone tore everything up back there."
Kevin Thompson is the Director of Operations for Replay Games. "The first time it happened we kind of laughed it off like why is somebody stealing a full AC compressor." he said. "Then it happens the second time and you stop laughing. It happens the third time you start wondering who's doing anything about this."
Monday afternoon, Roanoke Police said they're investigating three reports involving the theft of air conditioning units or parts. All three locations are on Orange Avenue. Investigators haven't arrested anyone yet. They're encouraging anyone with information to call the Roanoke Police Department or Crime Line.
Here is the text of the news release from the Roanoke Police Department:
The Roanoke Police Department is investigating reports of thefts of air conditioning units and air conditioning unit parts. The Department was first contacted on December 4, 2012, at 5:15 p.m. to an office located in the 2900 block of Orange Avenue. The compressor of the air conditioning unit located behind the building was reported to have been stolen. In the second incident, the Department was contacted on December 5, 2012, at 9:15 a.m. to an office located in the 3500 block of Orange Avenue. Two air conditioning units located behind the building were reported to have been stolen. In the third incident, the Department was contacted on December 6, 2012, at 11:30 a.m. to the 2200 block of Orange Avenue. Three air conditioning units were reported to have stolen. They were located behind a building that houses Indulgence Spa and Replay Games. No arrests have been made. Anyone with information regarding these or other crimes should call the Roanoke Police Department at (540) 853-5959 or Crime Line at (540) 344-8500. Crime Line may offer a monetary reward for any information leading to an arrest.
Citizens are encouraged to install motion sensor lights around and behind houses and businesses in an effort to deter any criminal activity. Security cameras at businesses are also encouraged. These can potentially deter criminal activity or aid in the identification of a suspect. Lastly, anyone who observes any suspicious or criminal activity should contact 911 immediately.
