Norwich — All 10 rooftop air conditioning units in the Stott Avenue building that houses Easter Seals adult day programs have been ripped apart and stolen, presumably for their metal components.

Easter Seals provides vocational and job training services for about 60 to 65 clients per day in the 60,000-square-foot single-story building. About 40 staff members work there.

Hugh Caldwell, director of adult programs, said the theft was discovered after the Memorial Day weekend when staff went to turn on the air conditioning. It didn't work.

A contractor who was called to examine the system discovered that only the outer shell casings of the rooftop units remained. There is no direct access to the former factory building's roof without a ladder, and the units are large and heavy.

It will take a crane to install new ones, Caldwell said.

Police are investigating.

Easter Seals officials brought in portable fans for the large adult program room and opened doors and windows for cross drafts. A nurse monitored clients' conditions throughout the week.

Luckily, Caldwell said, the weather turned cool.

Temporary air conditioning units will be installed today, Caldwell said. He could not provide an estimate for the cost of the damage.

— Claire Bessette