What started as a routine check at the Sutter County Library's main branch in Yuba City turned into a costly crime scene, after staff discovered a brazen rooftop theft-and-vandalism spree in May that left the building's HVAC system gutted and repair costs expected to climb into six figures. Yuba City police have launched an investigation while library officials work to tally the full damage.
Police: Fence Cut, Multiple Units Stripped
Staff first noticed trouble on May 19, when they found a cut fence and a damaged exterior air-conditioning unit. When officials took a closer look on May 21, they found five rooftop HVAC units that were described as "catastrophically damaged," with some units stripped of up to 90 percent of their components.
Investigators say they believe the thieves got in by cutting through a secured HVAC-enclosure fence. Cutting tools and other items were recovered at the scene, according to police. Combined theft, damage and repair costs may exceed $100,000, as reported by Action News Now.
Main Branch On Forbes Avenue Faces Repairs
The hit landed on the Sutter County Library's main branch in Yuba City, the system's primary hub for collections and community programs. The branch, located at 750 Forbes Avenue according to county information, has lost key HVAC equipment that officials say is critical infrastructure for the building.
County officials report that the damage will require substantial repair and replacement work. That could mean disruptions to library services while crews inspect, repair and rebuild the rooftop systems that keep the building safe and usable for the public.
Pattern Of Infrastructure Theft In The Region
The rooftop raid fits into a troubling pattern of infrastructure-related thefts around the Yuba-Sutter area. In one recent example, KCRA reported a September 2025 case in which a Yuba City business lost thousands of dollars' worth of electrical cables. The Sacramento Bee has also covered other high-value robberies in the region, reflecting ongoing pressure on local infrastructure and small businesses.
Police Seek Tips
Yuba City Police are asking anyone with information, video or other leads about the HVAC theft and vandalism to call the department's non-emergency line at 530-822-4660. Tips can also be submitted directly to the Yuba City Police Department through the city's contact page.
