Albany Police Arrest Two Men in Copper Theft Investigation Targeting Air Conditioning Units

ALBANY, Ga. — The Albany Police Department has arrested two men as part of an ongoing investigation into a series of air conditioning unit thefts that have damaged businesses throughout the city over the past month.

Police said officers have responded to multiple reports of air conditioning units being vandalized and stripped of copper components. In response, the department increased patrols and investigative efforts, leading to the arrests.

The first suspect, 54-year-old Paul Hart, was arrested after officers reportedly found him on the roof of a business actively removing copper from an air conditioning unit.

Hart was taken into custody and booked into the Dougherty County Jail. He is charged with Felony Criminal Damage to Property in the Second Degree and Possession of Tools for the Commission of a Crime.

Investigators also arrested 35-year-old Toronto Jones Jr. after reviewing surveillance video that allegedly showed him damaging a separate air conditioning unit and stealing copper components.

Jones was booked into the Dougherty County Jail and charged with Felony Criminal Damage to Property in the Second Degree and Felony Theft by Taking.

Police said each suspect has currently been linked to one theft, but detectives are continuing to investigate whether either man is connected to additional copper thefts reported across the community.

The Albany Police Department is asking anyone with information about these thefts or other suspicious activity to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 229-436-TIPS or through the department’s mobile app.