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[show]Being both easy-to-remove and filled with high-value metal, HVAC units make tempting targets for thieves and with most properties fitted with one, could your property be the next victim? Find out how to prevent this below.
Thieves are always looking for their next quick fix, and unfortunately HVA units have been one of their main targets over the last year.
Understanding the Recent Rise in HVAC Unit Thefts
HVAC units contain various metals including copper, aluminum, and steel. There can also be additional metals involved such as brass and bronze, making them highly-sought after items.
With such high volumes of metal, particularly copper, HVAC units are worth a lot of money at scrap yards and thieves have come to recognise this.
Over recent years there has been a rise in HVAC unit thefts, firstly due to the metal value and secondly due to the ease of removal. Many HVAC units are placed outside or in less concealed locations so thieves can easily establish the best way to remove them.
In many cases there is minimal protection and this allows thieves to remove the components they require or rip full units off buildings.
The recent rise in thefts has been attributed to the rise in copper prices as the value has reached an all-time high in 2024, averaging $10,265 per tonne, making it one of the highest earning metals.
The Future Risks of HVAC Unit Thefts
Looking into the future, there are several risks that could impact HVAC units and the security of them. Most of these relate to the issues with copper.
The increase in price for copper is not slowing down anytime soon, with 2025 also looking to be an expensive year for those using copper within their production
The focus on Government infrastructure projects and renewable energy will likely lead to the US copper market seeing a modest increase in demand.
However, as demand only increases, the supply-demand balance may tighten. This imbalance could support higher copper prices as supply becomes more difficult, creating a potential deficit across the country.
Mines are aging and the need to develop new ones is more important than ever before to find new copper supply.
With such an uncertain future with copper production and prices, this has a knock-on impact to the products that utilise this including, HVAC units.
Due to the resilience to erosion that copper has, this type of metal is used in nearly all HVAC units and therefore, the focus on future risks is key.
Every time that a HVAC unit is stolen or metal components are removed from the units to be sold illegally, you will need to replace the unit or related parts. If metal prices continue to rise, the cost to replace these will become more expensive, and without insurance this will be expensive for you.
Additionally, the lack of copper supply could make replacement harder to source causing delays or creating the need to utilise other metal as replacement which could be less resilient.
Why Are Properties Prime Targets For HVAC Unit Thefts?
To put it simply, most properties have them, essentially providing thieves with an endless supply of easy-to-remove, high-value metal.
The placement for HVAC units on properties also make them enticing to thieves with them being on the outside of the property or in easily viewable locations. As much as this is aesthetically pleasing, this is not the most secure option for them.
7 Ways to Prevent HVAC Unit Thefts From Your Property
As HVAC unit thefts sweep the nation, the last thing you want is for your property to become the next victim of this crime.
Utilizing our 20 years of surveillance solutions, we formed 7 steps you can take to prevent HVAC unit thefts at your property.
Reduce Accessibility to the Property
To prevent any type of property theft you should reduce the accessibility to your property.
There are various methods to help reduce access to your property such as fencing, having secure locks on any entry points, installing a surveillance system, and removing any items from outside the property that could be utilized to access it.
Common placements of HVAC units will be on the outside of the property or on the roof of the property, making them easier to access.
Due to this increased risk to them, when reducing access to your property always keep in mind the position of your HVAC unit and the specific requirements it has.
Improve the Visibility Around the Property’s Perimeter
This may not seem like a prevention technique, however, thieves rely on darkness and secluded locations to help remain hidden.
Adding visibility around the property with strong lighting removes that cover, which is particularly beneficial for HVAC units located around the outside of the property.
Visibility should be clear around the full perimeter of the property to ensure that thieves have nowhere to hide.
You should also consider the type of lighting to install. Buying the cheapest option may not be the best fit for your property, so select the one that is most suitable to you as this will provide more longevity.
Implement a HVAC Alarm System
The rise in HVAC unit thefts can create more consequences than can be imagined, therefore upgrading the security system that protects it will help to prevent this from happening to you.
HVAC units can be fitted with specialist alarm systems that monitor specific characteristics which when triggered by the thieves will sound the alarms as a way of preventing theft and creating attention to any individuals present.
Thieves will often target the refrigerant lines and power cables as this is what attaches the unit to the property. When these lines are cut, some systems will recognise this and sound a siren.
To organise this, consider speaking with a HVAC consultant who would be able to help with the specifics of a HVAC unit alarm system.
Install a Metal Cage Over the HVAC Unit
With copper theft only increasing over recent years, protecting property goods where there is high-value metal present like HVAC units is becoming even more vital than before.
Implementing a heavy metal cage around the property’s HVAC unit if based on the outside of the property will provide a layer of physical security against any thieves.
These cages will often be difficult to break down and cannot be easily pulled away from their installation locations. This prevents theft in two ways:
- Crime deterrent - Thieves like simple targets and seeing a heavy cage over your HVAC unit creates difficulty which will help deter criminals from it.
- Physical prevention - The heavy metal cage is designed to make it difficult for thieves to break or access, providing a layer of physical defense.
Place it in a Concealed or Hidden Location in the Property’s Perimeter
Many HVAC units are located on the outside of the property, often leaving them exposed to a higher risk of theft. As much as placing your HVAC unit may seem more attractive than inside the property, where it is possible and safe to do so, consider fitting it inside the property.
If your HVAC unit is already placed outside or this is the best location for your property, consider concealing it as best as possible. Whether that be placing it in a more hidden location on the outside of the property, covering it with tarp or planting foliage around it.
Just remember that by concealing it, you should try to keep it as natural as possible to not make it obvious as to where the HVAC unit is located.
Utilise Bright Traceable Paint or Dye on the HVAC Unit
As mentioned, thieves find easy targets extremely tempting like outdoor HVAC units. Therefore, playing thieves at their own game can sometimes be the best way.
Painting or placing dye on key components of your HVAC unit may seem minimal to thieves, but if they go to touch that component and it stains their skin, they may be quicker to leave the scene than steal the HVAC unit from your property.
Aim to paint areas where high-value metal is exposed or present such as copper piping. Thieves may specifically target these components, likely making them the most common touch points for them.
Add Surveillance Cameras and Signage
Over the years, the emerging abilities of surveillance cameras has continued to expand and for the world of property management, the market is only growing as metal theft and other crime increases on these property types.
Surveillance systems are the best form of protection against crime like HVAC unit thefts, especially if you leverage the benefits of WCCTV and our products.
With our Surveillance Trailers, their design helps to deter crime whilst having high-quality security functionality such as AI video analytics, audio message deterrence, and evidence gathering software that ensures further prevention and support for potential criminal proceedings.
Combining this with clear signage will boost crime deterrence and make it clear to criminals that your property is monitored and will capture any activity that takes place there.
This removes the cover that thieves rely on, which along with the many other benefits of surveillance cameras helps to both prevent and capture criminals, holding those responsible accountable for their actions and protecting your property.
Protect Your Property From HVAC Unit Theft Today
The financial implication of having your HVAC unit stolen is not the only repercussion you will be faced with, it expands much further. Properties could be left unusable if HVAC units are not in place and replacing them could cause disaster if faced with any delays.
Do not let your property become the next victim of HVAC unit theft and take action today by getting in touch with one of our Surveillance experts who can help guide you on the best ways to protect your unit.
Daniel del Soldato
Marketing Director
Daniel has been at WCCTV for over 10 years and has accumulated a vast wealth of knowledge of mobile surveillance products and the way they operate. In his spare time, Daniel likes to listen to music, watch football, and spend quality time with his family.
