PORT ANGELES — A downtown apparel and accessories store was one of at least six burglarized in the central area of Port Angeles within 24 hours, police said.
Moss, a clothing and jewelry store at 120 W. First St., lost merchandise, cash and personal items to the burglars Monday, investigators said.
The store closed its doors after the burglary was discovered. It was scheduled to reopen at 10 a.m. today.
Patrons thanked
A posting on the store’s website thanked patrons for “all of the wonderful community support.”
Police Deputy Chief Brian S. Smith said other break-ins were reported at businesses in the 100 block of East Railroad Avenue, the 700 block of West Marine Drive and a residence in the 1900 block of Pine Street, plus another business on West First Street.
Smith would not identify the businesses, saying police will not identify them unless they want to be.
The Peninsula Housing Authority’s Lee Plaza apartments, 112 W. First St., also reported a burglary to its storage space.
Jacqueline Peterson, Lee Plaza property manager, declined to comment.
“It’s not uncommon for burglaries to happen in clusters,” Smith said.
An email from Port Angeles Downtown Association Director Barbara Frederick said “a lot of merchandise was taken” in the burglaries.
Smith said nothing besides timing and location connected the crimes but that they likely were linked to heroin or methamphetamine addiction because many break-ins are.
Investigators, Smith said, would review city-owned and private video surveillance of the area.
“In the past, we’ve been very successful with video,” he said. “What we tell the offender population is that it’s unlikely they won’t be seen.”
Officers, he added, also would work with victims to try to improve their resistance to crimes.
“Be extra vigilant,” Frederick emailed PADA members Tuesday.
“Make sure all entrances into your business are extra secure and, if you have them, check your video cameras to make sure they are working, and report any suspicious activity.”
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Reporter James Casey can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5074, or at jcasey@peninsuladailynews.com.
