A Northeast Portland church is out thousands of dollars after a copper thief stripped a number of its air conditioning units.

Back in late July somebody dismantled the church’s air conditioning system.

“Every copper piece has been stripped off," Hans Hess, Head Deacon at Open Arms Seventh Day Adventist Church, said. "All the wire into the switches has been stripped out. Who steals from a church? It’s God’s property.”

And if that wasn’t bad enough, the thief got even bolder.

“Those wires here, they’re hot, and they go to the top of the switch, and it’s only a foot long, and they cut those pieces out,” said Hess.

KGW photo

Investigators say it is the work of a drug addict.

“They’re looking to make a quick score so they can turn around and get dimes on the dollar for the metal, but they’re turning around and converting it to dope,” said Sergeant Brian Schmautz from Portland Police Bureau.

Police have not been able to catch the suspect, but Hess said they might have a lead.

Just this past Saturday, a passer-by spooked somebody who appeared to be stripping a fourth air conditioning unit. Hess hopes the guy’s image will strike a chord with somebody.

In the meantime, a copper thief is on the loose and a church is out at least $9,000.

“All we can do is pray for them and hopefully they find God and get their lives together,” added Hess.