Goldsboro, N.C. — Wayne County authorities are investigating a series of copper thefts at local churches.

The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office has received reports from Falling Creek Baptist Church, Selah Church, Steven’s Chapel Church and Thunderswamp Pentecostal Church that their central heating and air-conditioning units and copper tubing have been stolen.

The thefts occurred between June 14 and June 18, authorities said.

Rev. Odell Moore, pastor at Stevens Chapel Church, said his church will have to pay more than $6,000 to have a new unit installed before Sunday's service.

"As hot as it is now, we can't wait on the insurance company," he said. "We need some air."

Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to call the Goldsboro-Wayne Crime Stoppers at 919-735-2255 or send a text message to 919-273-6585.

All callers to Crime Stoppers remain anonymous. Callers might be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.