CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Here's a bit of good news about the heat - looks like the blazing sun might be bothering criminals as much as it is you.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department says the past few days have been quiet when it comes to dangerous crime...think muggings, car jacking's, etc.
But the high temps - well, they do breed their own brand of trouble.
Over at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte, someone ripped two air conditioning units right out of the ground. We're talking boxes so big it would take more than one person to carry them off, and the damage to this volunteer mentoring organization top $1,200.
Police say cars also become big targets when it's warm out, because drivers tend to leave their windows cracked.
"Just leaving the car window cracked two inches or so to keep your car cooled...you're just inviting someone with a coat hanger to stick their arm in and steal CDs, change," says CMPD Officer Bob Fey. "You'd be surprised at what people will be willing to steal."
Marty Garges, director of the Tyvola Senior Center, says heat-related crime actually becomes a big problem for the elderly, because fear of it keeps them from opening their windows for a breeze or even an air conditioning unit.
It's one reason senior centers are handing out free fans today.
"You hear of people dying in cities because they're afraid of opening their homes up for the air," says Garges. "And at least the fans will keep the air circulating."
