Police searching for HVAC unit thieves

NORTH SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WPRI) -- The North Smithfield Police Department is looking for the public's help in locating two robbery suspects.

Police today announced they have obtained arrest warrants for 52 year-old Larry Bates, Sr., and 29 year-old Larry Bates, Jr.

The men are accused of stealing several commercial HVAC units from businesses in North Smithfield and Burrillville, with a total dollar amount of over $50,000 in stolen property.

Burrillville Police told Eyewitness News that the thefts in their town were discovered Monday morning, when the owners of eight businesses told police their HVAC units and an ice maker had been stolen in the overnight hours.

Police say both men could be armed with a firearm and could be driving a white 1998 Dodge with white painted windows bearing Rhode Island plate 67167.

A third man has already been arrested in connection to the thefts; 23 year-old Christopher Fisher of Woonsocket was arrested on East Main Street in Woonsocket Thursday morning.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the two men should call the North Smithfield Police Department at 401-762-1212 or the tip line at 401-762-9983.