PRINCE GEORGE, Va. -- The Prince George County Police Department announced they arrested a man connected to a string of HVAC thefts. CBS 6 first reported the arrest on February 2 and the thefts are a problem CBS 6 has reported on for months.
Prince George police identified the suspect as Scott Sykora, 43, of Hopewell, Virginia.
Police said during their investigation they discovered that Sykora was stealing the interior parts of air conditioner units from homes, businesses, and churches.
"He then took the stolen components to a scrap metal facility in Richmond, exchanging them for money," police stated in a release.
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Detectives said they believed Sykora was connected to 10 thefts in Prince George County alone.
"Similar thefts have also occurred in other jurisdictions, Prince George Detectives are coordinating with the other localities to assist in their investigations," the statement read.
Sykora was arrested last month when a Virginia pastor caught him in the act.
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The estimated cost of damage and theft allegedly done by Sykora is around $100,000.
He is being charged with felony destruction of property and larceny. He is being held a Riverside Regional Jail.
Anyone who witnessed this incident, or anyone with information, is requested to contact the Prince George Police Department at (804) 733-2773 or Crime Solvers at (804) 733-2777.
Depend on CBS 6 News and WTVR.com for in-depth coverage of this important local story. Anyone with more information can email newstips@wtvr.com to send a tip.
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