PORT LUDLOW — Jefferson County sheriff’s authorities are investigating a string of commercial burglaries and burglary attempts near the intersection of Paradise Bay and Oak Bay roads.
“It is extremely unusual,” Sheriff Mike Brasfield said on Friday about eight break-ins or attempts on businesses either late Wednesday or early Thursday.
“We have not had a commercial burglary in that area for more than a year.”
No significant loss of property was reported, and Brasfield believes that damage done as a result of the break-ins may cost business owners more.
Small amounts of cash and a digital camera were taken.
Of the eight buildings hit, six break-ins and two unsuccessful entries were reported, the sheriff said.
“The majority of the businesses were ransacked and suffered damage to entry doors,” a sheriff’s report states.
PT connection?
Brasfield said his investigators were cooperating with Port Townsend police to determine if there are any similarities to a rash of recent commercial burglaries in Port Townsend in the past three weeks.
“We are comparing facts with the Port Townsend police, and although we’re not certain, it appears they could be connected,” Brasfield said.
The burglar or burglars used “elementary and crude methods” of forced entry, such as prying, he said.
“Sheriff’s deputies have obtained some physical evidence and detectives will be assisting with the follow-up investigation,” the sheriff’s report states.
Anyone with information that might assist investigators are encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 360-385-3831.
