During the last two months of 2017, six thefts were reported from local businesses. San Juan County Sheriff Ron Krebs assumes these crimes are related.

“There are a lot of similarities between them,” he said.

According to Krebs, about $4,000 has been taken from all of the businesses combined.

The two newest incidents were reported on Dec. 22 at the American Legion Post 163 and San Juan Island Food Co-op. Both businesses were entered by breaking a window. At the legion, nothing appeared to be missing and at the food co-op, only change from tip jars had been lifted, according to police reports.

Other alleged thefts were reported on Nov. 8 at Van Go’s Pizza, Nov. 13 at San Juan Cheese Shop, and Nov. 20 or 21 at American Legion Post 163 and Mike’s Cafe and Wine Bar. There were no signs of forced entry at the last two locations.

Since the first alleged burglary at the legion, when $2,500 was found missing, staff installed a deadbolt on the office door and a “substantial” safe to protect funds, stated a police report.

A surveillance video, below, captured a man walking away from the area of the legion, at around 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 20, with what resembled a pry bar in his hand.

“At this time we have no suspects but do have a person of interest we need help in identifying,” said Krebs.

Krebs is hoping someone in the community will name the man in the video, who has not been “definitively” identified yet, he said. If you have information, call the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office at 360-378-4151.