The Sitka Police Department is offering a $1,000 reward for information related to the recent string of burglaries. So far, no arrests have been made.

Lieutenant Jeff Ankerfelt says he hopes the reward will encourage those connected to the burglaries to come forward.

“This is just a carrot if you will and a good one, which is a significant amount to an informant to provide us with valuable information,” said Ankerfelt. “We’re finding some evidence that it’s been effective.”

Sitka Police received reports of ten home burglaries last week, as well as a handful of thefts from cars over the weekend. But since Monday (11-24-14), the number of reported thefts in homes, cars, and boats has declined. Ankerfelt says he thinks it’s because the community is paying more attention — and locking their doors.

“The bad guys out there also pay attention to the media and they understand the community is one high alert,” said Ankerfelt. I’ll also offer that we’re putting some pretty good pressure on these individuals and they know it and we’re very close. We’re very close to making a break in this case.”

Ankerfelt says the investigation is focused on a short list of suspects and he expects the department to make an arrest soon.