FAIRBANKS - Thieves targeting self-storage units in Fairbanks stole more than a half-million dollars in property in the last three months, according to Alaska State Troopers.
Ten to 15 units were hit at multiple storage facilities, KTVF television reported. In one case, thieves took precious metals valued at more than $300,000.
At one storage business, thieves broke into one storage unit and knocked down walls to access other units, said trooper Sgt. Brian Zeisel.
Troopers suspect that not all of the thefts are linked. Troopers have suspects in some thefts, he said.
Investigators often don’t find out about the theft until days later, making it harder to find suspects.
Zeisel recommended that users check on storage units every few days. He also recommended not storing items of great value.
Some facilities are not staffed or have low-quality security cameras, making it difficult for officers to identify suspects, Zeisel said.
Keeping a good list or photos of stored items is important, Zeisel said.
“We want to see folks actually document their items, the serial numbers of the items, or mark your items. We have had people engrave their initials in the items, and that is helpful in identifying items that have been taken,” Zeisel said.