PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A growing wave of air-conditioning and copper theft is hitting small businesses in west Phoenix, and one property owner says the crime is taking a substantial financial toll.
Fares Alzibidi, who owns a multi-business complex near 35th Avenue and Thomas, says thieves stripped five rooftop air-conditioning units over the summer. The building is home to several small businesses and Think Through Academy, a local charter school.
“You know, all the guts, the carbon and stuff was taken out of it,” Alzibidi said, describing the stolen units.
Security cameras captured footage of the suspect climbing onto the roof using a pallet and filing cabinets to reach the units. Despite the video, no arrests have been made.
“When you look at the video, he was walking right from here,

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