Sometime between 11:10 a.m. Monday and 7 a.m. Tuesday, one or more individuals broke into a Nobleboro business and made off with two Rinnai heaters, valued at $1500 each.
According to Nails by Gail and Hair Salon owner Gail Berry, she reported the theft as soon as it was discovered Tuesday morning. According to Berry, the perpetrators jimmied open a window in the back of the salon, located at 24 Center St.
The heaters were disconnected from their places, the screws left neatly on the floor, and the thieves exited through the back of the business. Nothing else was touched or damaged, Berry said
“It was all very neatly done, like they had done it before,” she said.
Bert said the investigating Sheriff’s Deputy informed her that heater thefts are more common recently. She was told thieves are stealing Rinnai heaters because heating concerns this winter have created a market for low cost options, Berry said.
Although Berry rents her business space, and the loss is technically her landlord’s, the theft cost Berry and her co-workers a day’s work while the heaters were being replaced.
“We couldn’t work today so we couldn’t make any money,” she said. “We are all independent workers so, if we don’t work, we don’t make any money.”
Anyone with any information regarding the theft is invited Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 882-6576. Attempts to reach LCSO officials at press time for information was unsuccessful.
