Reward offered in Willow stamp theft

The U.S. Postal Service is offering a $10,000 reward for information about a burglar who broke into the Willow Post Office and made off with hundreds of dollars in stamps.

Jim Reid, the U.S. Postal inspector investigating the incident, said that late Thursday or early Friday morning someone forcibly broke into the Willow Post Office through an employee entrance.

Inside, the suspect broke open the safe, which typically holds a small amount of cash and thousands of dollars in U.S. Postal Stamps of various denominations, Reid said.

Alaska State Troopers initially investigated the incident after the Willow Post Office employee called to report the break-in. A considerable amount of stamps was found missing, Reid said.

"Stamps are difficult to negotiate into currency, but I have seen cases in the past where individuals get in touch with companies that do a lot of mailing and exchange stamps," Reid said. "It's unusual but that is what we are looking for."

Reid is hoping anyone with information will step forward, especially if someone knows of someone possessing the stamps or attempting to trade them for cash.

The U.S. Postal Inspection offers anonymity to its sources in the same manner as Crime Stoppers. The $10,000 reward is being offered to people whose information leads to the arrest and or conviction of the person who burglarized the post office.

To offer information, people may call (907) 261-6321 or (907) 562-8790.