Crime & Courts

Juneau police investigating $170K burglary from Douglas building

Juneau police say a six-figure haul of precious items was burglarized from a building on Douglas Island last weekend, but they released few details about the case as authorities continue to investigate.

JPD spokeswoman Erann Kalwara said in a Tuesday statement that the burglary was reported just before 2:15 p.m. Sunday. The crime occurred at a two-story building housing a first-floor business on the 3500 block of the North Douglas Highway, near the Douglas landing of the bridge across Gastineau Channel to Juneau.

The property owner reported finding a door in the building unlocked, as well as dirt on interior steps leading up to a private residence; he also said "items were missing and things were in disarray" throughout the building.

"Stolen property includes two rifles, a large safe, cash, gold and jewelry valued at about $170,000," Kalwara wrote.

Investigating officers believe the building was accessed through a second-story window, between 6:30 p.m. Saturday and 7:30 a.m. Sunday.

No tenants live in the building, Kalwara said in an email Wednesday. The burglarized apartment was being used as both storage space and an office by the same family that owned the downstairs business, which was unaffected by the burglary.

Kalwara declined to name the family or business due to department policy against identifying crime victims. She also couldn't discuss whether police believe the apartment was specifically targeted during the burglary, but provided a more detailed inventory of the items taken.

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"Some women's jewelry and two gold watches were stolen," Kalwara wrote. "Pieces of gold with significant value were stolen as well. We are unable to release descriptions of the gold at this time. The safe is described as an older model Century safe with combination dial."

Anyone with information on the burglary or those responsible should call Juneau police at 907-586-0600.

Chris Klint

Chris Klint is a former ADN reporter who covered breaking news.

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