HOUSTON -- Thieves stole three air-conditioners from a nonprofit group, KPRC Local 2 reported Friday.

The rooftop units were taken from Northwest Assistance Ministries' Second Chance Resale Shop in the 2500 block of F.M. 1960 last week.

Harris County sheriff's deputies told organization officials that there has been a rash of similar thefts in the area over the past few weeks. Investigators said the thieves are destroying the units to sell the copper at scrap yards.

"The people who did this cut the units out, chopped them up and carted them off," said Randy Boyer, NAM's director of operations. "We can't repair them, so we will have to replace them. That will be an out-of-pocket expense for us."

Officials said the units were worth $15,000.

"Not that there's a good time for something like this to happen, but it is especially difficult during the December holiday season, " Boyer said. "We could have used the $15,000 to support of programs instead of replacing the A-C units."

The resale shop has planned to move to another location along F.M. 1960 in the next few weeks, but must replace the conditioners as part of their lease agreement.

Boyer said the theft will force them to install extra security at the new location.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to help the organization replace the units may do so through their Web site or by calling 281-885-4605.

Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.