Troopers investigate coffee stand burglaries

MAT-SU — Alaska State Troopers are warning about a rash of break-ins targeting off-the-beaten-path coffee huts.

The break-ins were reported starting Saturday and running through Monday. Troopers report between four and five coffee stands were hit in that time.

“The coffee places are not on the main roads. They are not getting a lot of cash, but they are causing damage, breaking windows, kicking doors etc,” trooper spokeswoman Megan Peters wrote in an e-mail.

The stands stretch from Big Lake to Palmer. Most of the businesses had very little, if any cash on hand but troopers estimate the damage done just getting inside all of those coffee huts at $10,000.

Troopers are seeking the public’s help in stopping the break-ins.

“Anyone with any information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact either the Alaska State Troopers at 745-2131 or Mat-Su Crime Stoppers at 745-3333.