Bold Thefts: HVAC Systems go missing from two businesses in TD on Nov. 10 or 11th
There’s something missing here. Note the missing HVAC unit at left at the ReStore thrift shop at 1001 W. Sixth St. in The Dalles. It was discovered missing on Monday morning and two more also were taken from the Neon Sign Museum at 200 E. Third Street downtown.
By Tom Peterson
The Dalles, Ore., Nov. 13, 2024 — Criminals added some insult to injury at the ReStore on West Sixth Street after the nonprofit lost many of its home-building tools in a fire on Oct. 24.
Sometime on Sunday, Nov. 10, someone stole the heating, ventilation and air conditioning or HVAC unit that is used to make the thrift store comfortable for customers and staff.
Columbia Gorge Habitat Executive Director Chad Krause said the theft was discovered on Monday, Nov. 11, when volunteer Chip Wood showed up to build an eve over the HVAC units and found one missing.
Krause was amazed that a criminal was so bold as to steal the unit that sat on the east side of the building at 1001 W. Sixth Street. It sat wide open to public view next to the parking lot for the military recruiting offices next door.
Krause said Habitat rents the building which is owned by Gary Copper. Copper formerly used the site to for his Copper’s Hardware. He said Copper was looking into replacing the unit which would cost thousands of dollars.
The boldness did not stop there, however.
It was also reported that two HVAC units were stolen from the Neon Sign Museum at 200 E. Third Street, the former Elks building that sits across the street from The Dalles Police Department.
Owner of the Museum David Benko described the HVAC units the size of an engine block, according to The Dalles Police log. It was reported that theft occurred between 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10 and 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11.
It was estimated that it would cost $10,000 to replace the two HVAC units.
CCCNews contacted The Dalles Police Department for additional information on Thursday, Nov. 14. When new information becomes available we will add it to this story.
Anyone with information about the thefts can contact The Dalles Police at 541-296-2233
