Copper thieves have literally pulled the plug on warmth at the Mazamas Mountaineering Center, with the long-running Portland nonprofit saying crooks stripped copper out of its heating and cooling system and left the historic hub for climbers and hikers freezing and facing nearly $40,000 in damage.
Staff realized something was wrong after a system-failure alert pinged their phones, then walked into a chilly building and scrambled to keep programs running while crews swapped out ruined HVAC equipment. The group says the new systems are now in place, but the hit to its budget is still very real, and it is trying to cover both repairs and added security on a nonprofit’s shoestring.
Repair Bills Pile Up, Fundraiser Falls Short So Far
According to KOIN, the Mazamas estimate the break-in left them with nearly $40,000 in damage, and staff said the building hovered around 50 degrees inside while the new systems were installed. The outlet reports the organization launched an online fundraiser that has brought in several thousand dollars toward replacement costs. Leaders say they are also looking at longer-term security upgrades to protect the roof-mounted equipment, which are not yet fully paid for.
One Hit In A Wider Copper Theft Wave
Per the Portland Police Bureau, investigators have been working a broader copper theft investigation since a November 2025 enforcement sweep uncovered locations used to strip and process stolen metal and estimated more than $2 million in related damage. That operation led to numerous arrests, and police say the investigation is still active as detectives review community tips and video. Authorities stress that the damage to HVAC systems and building infrastructure far exceeds the relatively small scrap value thieves get for the metal.
Neighbors And Nonprofits Take Hits, Too
Other Portland businesses are reporting similar rooftop raids this winter. Surveillance video shows thieves tearing rooftop HVAC units off Montavilla Sewing’s building and loading the pieces into a vehicle, coverage described by KPTV. A follow-up on how thieves hit Montavilla Sewing's roof again noted the lingering fallout from the rooftop thefts.
Southeast Portland arts organizations have also been forced into costly repairs after rooftop HVAC units were targeted, stacking new expenses on top of already tight budgets for small nonprofits. Owners and managers say replacing high-dollar equipment and adding cameras or metal cages can be out of reach without donations, grants or other outside help.
How The Mazamas Are Keeping The Heat On
The Mazamas say the damaged heating and cooling systems have now been replaced and that a community fundraiser is helping cover what insurance and existing funds do not. The group is also asking members and neighbors to chip in.
"I walked in the building that morning, and I had gotten a text message notification that we had a system failure," staffer Chelsea Tossing told KOIN, describing the moment they realized the center’s HVAC system had been gutted.
People who want to support repairs or ongoing programs are being directed to the organization’s website at Mazamas for donation options and information on upcoming events.
Police Want Tips, And Video Helps
Investigators are asking anyone with video or information about rooftop copper thefts to contact the Portland Police Bureau or Crime Stoppers so they can connect individual cases. The bureau’s November statement lists a dedicated email address for tips and notes that home and business video, along with eyewitness accounts from neighbors, have played a key role in recent arrests and in the ongoing copper theft investigation.
