Natchez — Air conditioning units remain a hot target for copper thieves lately, Natchez Police Department Interim Chief Danny White said.

The Natchez Police Department is investigating the Monday night theft of four five-ton air conditioning units valued at $1,200 each from two local businesses.

White said two units were stolen from Winn Pharmacy and two from Southern Style Catering on Pilgrim Boulevard, businesses that are next door to each other.

White said he believes the same individuals stole both the units, but the department has no suspects at this time.

White said the department is investigating the incidents. He said air conditioning units are popular items for copper thieves, because thieves can take the units apart and sell the copper.

Two men were arrested this month by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office for stealing 120 window units from Stine Lumber valued at $28,000.

An officer stopped a truck traveling in Natchez with several units on it Tuesday, White said, but the units were not stolen.

White said he has nighttime patrol officers on the lookout for people trying to steal air conditioning units, and officers are checking out businesses after hours.

White said home and business owners can put cages around their units to thwart burglars.

“(Thieves) can cut the cages open, but it does help,” he said.