Troopers Release Brief on Underwear Bandit

Jay Barrett/KMXT

            During the past week, Alaska State Troopers in Kodiak have received a series of burglary reports, criminal trespass, and theft that they believe are related. The troopers say citizens are returning home to find their residences have been entered and various items, but mostly womens’ underwear, have been stolen and or rifled through.
           While investigating these crimes, AST has learned that other citizens in town have encountered similar events in the recent months, but have not reported them to law enforcement.
           One of those is Hannah Clark, a fisherman who lives in Bells Flats. She said she started noticing some of her things were moved around in her home over the summer when she’d come back in from fishing. She said it didn’t really sink in until today (Wednesday) that those incidents and her missing underwear were related.
           “I can’t believe there is an actual underwear bandit,” she said.
           What makes it worse, Clark said, is she just got a $150 order from Victoria Secrets and they’re all gone. Clark said at least the underwear bandit has good taste.
           Troopers are reminding the public not to leave their homes unsecured and to be vigilant of their surroundings, and to report any suspicious activity. The investigation by troopers is ongoing and they’re asking anyone with further information regarding this or similar activity, contact them at 486-4121.