Baton Rouge, La (NBC33) — Local pastors and law enforcement are speaking out over a rash of copper thefts from several churches in south Baton Rouge.

Air conditioners at seven different churches have been targeted over the past two weeks, with each unit costing between $3,000 and $6,000 dollars.

Six churches are now offering a reward of $1,500 for information leading an arrest. Meanwhile, Baton Rouge Police Chief Dewayne White has a warning for those responsible for the crime.

"To the perpetrators that are doing this, know this - we're actively searching out who you are and when we find you,” stated White. “We're going to bring you to justice."

Tonight on NBC33 News at 10, we go to a local scrap yard to find out why copper is so appealing to thieves.