2 Accused Of Stealing AC Units Worth $12K From Sandy-Damaged Home
BRICK TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBS) – Police arrested two suspects they say stole three air conditioning units worth $12,000 from a home that was damaged by Hurricane Sandy.
Investigators believe the duo may be responsible for numerous thefts in counties that were impacted by Sandy.
Under arrest are 49-year-old Steven A. Smith of Brick, New Jersey, and 34-year-old Edward Kinney III of Point Pleasant, New Jersey.
According to police, the investigation began on February 15th when a resident of Brick Township reported the theft of three air conditioning units from his home. The victim told police the air conditioning units were valued at $12,000. The units were approximately eight months old as the home was recently constructed. As a result of Hurricane Sandy, the victim's home sustained damage and was vacant at the time of the theft.
Following an investigation by the Brick Township Police Department, Smith and Kinney were taken into custody. Both suspects have been charged with Theft of Moveable Property.
Smith's bail is being held on $75,000 bail, while Kinney was processed on a summons and released.
Investigators believe that Smith and Kinney are responsible for numerous thefts throughout shore towns in both Ocean and Monmouth counties that were affected by Hurricane Sandy.
Anyone who believes they may have been victimized is urged to call the Brick Township Police Department at 732-262-1120.
