Air conditioning thefts could impact insurance rates

The rash of air conditioning thefts across the Valley could leave everyone paying more for some property insurance. Air conditioners are in hot demand, but not for their cold air. From a senior community on the east side to the local boys and girls club, copper thieves are targeting the units for their scrap metal. "It has huge impacts, both economic and environmental," said Bobbie Ketelhut, a licensed independent insurance adjuster. Ketelhut works for more than a dozen agencies. When the thieves leave, she arrives to assess the damage."I personally have written more than $1 million in estimates for stolen a/c units alone in the Las Vegas Valley in one year," said Ketelhut.