Thieves strike again at Bucks County United Way

FALLS TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- A Bucks County non-profit is being targeted by thieves. For the third time in about 18 months the United Way in Fairless Hills was hit by burglars.

Barbara Harper responded to the news says, "I thought that was terrible, especially for the United Way. I mean they give things away to people and all."

That's the reaction shared by many Falls Township residents upon learning that thieves stole an outdoor air conditioning unit from the offices of the Bucks County United Way Thursday night.

Jamie Haddon, CEO of the Bucks County United Way, says, "Friday the staff came in and the breakers were blown in the building and they started to investigate what the problems were, and the air conditioning unit was totally gone."

Even with insurance, the air conditioner will cost about $3,000 to replace.

It's not the first time the United Way has been targeted.

Twice in less than two years thieves have broken into a storage shed where the charity keeps donations from retailers of household items meant to help the county's needy.

Haddon explains, "Last summer we had individuals come and just break the doors right off of the shed. And then they also came back a second time and used bolt cutters, took off all the locks, all the chains."

While the charity is trying get donations to replace the stolen items, Falls Township police have stepped up patrols to try to stop the air conditioner thefts.

Homes, businesses and even a church have been victimized.

Police Lt. Nelson Whitney says, "We've had a rash of these recently, about six to ten in the last several weeks. They appear to be scrappers. They're taking the air conditioning units for scrap."

The police advise keeping the area around your air conditioning unit well-lit, and cutting back brush so it's easily visible, allowing your neighbors and passers-by to spot any suspicious activity.

The scrappers who stolen the unit probably sold it for about $50 to $100, and it'll cost the United Way much more than that to replace.

All told, these crimes have cost the United Way $10,000. They're hoping for donations to help them replace the air conditioning unit, so they don't have to use money they'd rather spend on their agencies helping people.