The first break-in occurred Sept. 16 at Coast Pizza in the Tesoro Mall. In the early morning hours, the side door to the business was forced open and the cash register and a jar of money were taken totaling about $1,200. Then on Sept. 28 at around 5 a.m., The Bake Shop on the boardwalk at Olympic Circle was robbed of cash. The burglar entered through an open window, stole the cash register, and a change bag. The register was empty of cash, but the bag contained $320.
“I think they were in and out of here in minutes,” said Mike Flynn, who co-owns the business with his wife. “I’m just grateful they didn’t vandalize the place.”Troopers in Girdwood are investigating the robberies. Finger prints have been obtained but as of this writing, there are no suspects.
“I think somebody is scoping out these places for what they think will be easy money,” said Sgt. Bryan Barlow. “I think it’s somebody local. It’s that time of year, it’s getting cold and some people living in tents are strapped for cash. In my experience in Girdwood, so far, folks that are going to stay here and work can’t live in a tent and need some money to get an apartment. When somebody needs to stay warm, they get a little desperate.”
Barlow is seeking information from the public. Any leads would be helpful at this point in the investigation, he said. “If somebody who doesn’t typically have money and then they suddenly have hundreds of dollars on them or if anybody finds some cash registers, give us a call.”
Barlow warns local business owners to be on the alert and take precautionary measures to safeguard their businesses from burglaries.
“Secure your cash and conceal the cash registers,” he advised. “Leave the drawers open with no money, so it’s evident that easy money doesn’t exist.”
Barlow also recommends investing in a surveillance system. He said some businesses do have systems in place, but they’re not operating.
“You can get a fairly decent one for about one thousand dollars,” he said. “In the big picture, it’s a relatively small cost to pay for something that is a major deterrent.”
Barlow said he feels the burglaries are related, and the same person is responsible.
“With burglaries like these, it’s time that gets them solved,” he said. “We really need public input. If anybody hears things from the grape vine, pass it on to us.”
To provide information contact the Girdwood Troopers’ office at 783-0972.