Businesses Closed After Theft
Two popular businesses in Beverly, Chicago, recently closed their doors after thieves targeted their air conditioning units. The thefts occurred two weeks ago, causing significant damage and financial loss.
Ice Cream Shop Severely Impacted
A well-known ice cream shop, which has been operating for six years, suffered extensive damage when thieves stole the copper from its outdoor AC unit. The theft resulted in a loss of around $45,000 in revenue and inventory. With the AC unit damaged, the shop’s interior became extremely hot, causing ice cream to melt and freezers to stop working. The melted ice cream led to water damage, warping the shop’s floors.
Artisan Collaborative Also Affected
An artisan collaborative showcasing the work of 43 different artists was also affected by the theft. The lack of air conditioning turned the shop into a sauna, forcing the owner to close early on many days. The heat damaged various items, including candles, soaps, and paper products. The estimated damages and lost revenue for the artisan collaborative amounted to close to $20,000.
Community Response
In response to the thefts, the businesses have installed new AC units mounted high above to prevent future thefts. The community has also rallied to support the affected businesses by creating GoFundMe campaigns to help cover the costs of the damages and losses.