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A new law makes any theft of copper a state jail felony. Thieves primarily target the copper tubing inside of commercial air conditioning units.

A typical commercial air conditioning unit has about 40 pounds of copper inside, which is worth about $100.

Copper thieves rip out entire air conditioning units, destroying the air conditioning system and roof which can result in thousands of dollars in damages.

“We’ve had three businesses that had claims totaling $250,000 in the past year. One church got hit twice in one month,” insurance agent Ben Patterson said.

It can be devastating even to companies with insurance.

“Businesses are usually hit more than once. When they’re out, they’re out a deductible and their insurance, they are seeing their rates go up and after many times many insurance companies look at them and say, ‘Hey we are going to have to non renew you,’" Insurance Council of Texas spokesperson Mark Hanna said.

Texas DPS is also receiving funding to specifically help catch thieves.

Scrap dealers are also targets of the new legislation. The law makes it harder for them to purchase copper.

Officials encourage businesses to install outdoor lighting, security systems and cameras to help curb thefts.