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The theft of copper in Asbury Park extends beyond the decorative panels stolen from Convention Hall — thieves seeking the metal have also hit Holy Spirit Church, the Asbury Park public library, Trinity Church and vacant buildings, according to a published report.

Outdoor air conditioners are a particular target, and an official from Holy Spirit on Second Avenue says that repairs from a copper theft to its air conditioning units, and special fencing to guard against future theft, will cost the church over $15,000, the Coaster newspaper reports in its June 14 issue. Frank D’Alessandro, president of the Asbury Park Public Library board of trustees, said a copper theft from air conditioning units there caused $3,000 worth of damage with another $1,000 to install a protective cage against future thefts, the paper reported.

D’Alessandro told Coaster reporter Don Stine that similar damage was done to the nearby Trinity Church. Despite the costly damage to the victims, Stine reported that the copper thefts yield relatively small amounts for the thieves, who also have hit vacant buildings in the city. The theft of copper is recognized as a nationwide problem as international demand for the metal has sent prices soaring.

Meanwhile, the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office has sent a letter to boardwalk redeveloper Madison Marquette stating that the theft of copper panels at Convention Hall may jeopardize federal tax credits given to restore the structure, Stine also reported in the paper’s June 14 issue. The letter requests the company submit an amendment to its tax credit application to both state and federal agencies to specify how it will keep in compliance with regulations to retain the tax credit, the paper reports.

Madison Marquette owns Convention Hall. The 27 ornate copper panels dating to the late 1920s had been removed to conduct maintenance on the building. They were stolen while stored in a yard adjacent to the structure. Asbury Park police have yet to arrest a suspect.

Madison Marquette officials have told the city council that the company plans to replace the copper panels at its own expense. An insurance claim has been submitted and the damages exceed $100,000, a Madison Marquette official has previously told the Sun.

(A previous version of this post erroneously stated that a Madison Marquette official had told the Sun that the loss from the panel theft is about $200,000. The official actually said that damages exceed $100,000.)

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