LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Back-to-back copper wire theft on the roofs of Arts District businesses is costing the owners thousands.
Gutted A/C units and compressors sit on the roof of Able Baker Brewing and Horse Trailer Hideout on Monday.
It’s an act that may have taken a matter of minutes over the weekend, that’s leaving a lasting impact on the small businesses.
They tell me they’ve lost nearly $100,000 combined after their units were hit twice in 48 hours.
“I mean, that could literally bankrupt a business overnight,” Horse Trailer Hideout Owner Marissa Pretekus says.
Pretekus says this started Wednesday, when a group vandalized the outside of both Able Baker and Horse Trailer Hideout with spray paint.
Then, the next night, both businesses had their A/C units and compressors stripped for their copper.
But, the spree didn’t stop there. She says vandals came back two nights later, this time, stripping more units on the same roof.
In total, two compressors and four A/C units were damaged beyond repair in two days.
Not to mention the product in the coolers that was spoiled, and the effect not having A/C had on business.
“We had to basically take half of our beer down, guests came in and they weren’t able to order what they came for,” Executive Assistant at Able Baker Tiffany Israel said.
Although they’re not sure if the spray painting and the copper theft are related, they’re feeling frustrated and at risk.
“The vandalism that’s happening, the graffiti that’s happening, the homeless that come down here, we’re just vulnerable,” Pretekus says.
Metro Police say they’ll now be patrolling around the businesses from 1-5 a.m., seven days a week until the people responsible are caught.
They also sent out a Crime Prevention Specialist to Able Baker on Monday to look for potential vulnerabilities around the building.
The specialist made some suggestions, like adding a cage or alarm around their A/C units, and lighting and cameras on the roof.
Both businesses say they’ll be adding several security measures, but didn’t want to jeopardize them by getting too specific.
Metro Police say their investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers of Nevada at (702) 385-5555 or visit Downtown Area Command at 621 N 9th St..
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