PORT TOWNSEND — Port Townsend Marine Science Center staff members were repairing the damage and taking inventory of missing items on Friday after an overnight break-in and burglary on Dec. 11 at the Fort Worden State Park facility.
“At this point, we have cleaned up and made enough repairs and adjustments to our exhibits to be open to the public this weekend with our normal hours,” Liesl Slabaugh, marketing and development director, wrote in a Friday afternoon email.
“Where items are missing in our displays, we have created alternative exhibits,” she said.
Slabaugh said the center’s staff members are following law enforcement’s advice and putting out the word about the burglary in case anyone sees any of the items for sale or has any useful information.
As of Friday afternoon, the staff had identified two microscopes, computers and a recently donated underwater drone as missing, she said.
Along with smashing a back window to gain entry, the person or persons damaged and defaced a number of exhibits and educational spaces in the process of stealing items, leaving a huge mess, Slabaugh wrote.
“Needless to say, we are all feeling shaken and disturbed by this crime. The Port Townsend Marine Science Center is a place that is dedicated to curiosity, learning, wonder and exploration; it is not a place where we expect to be targeted for robbery and destruction.
“Many thanks to Brian S., Carolyn, Lydia and Gabe for cleaning up and making the exhibit presentable. Where the Fishy Riddles computer monitor was, there is now an alternative exhibit and a sign explaining the situation,” she said.
The center staff continue to compile a list of the stolen items and the details of the damage, and they hope some items may be recovered, Slabaugh wrote.
Once the list is final, center staff will decide about making an insurance claim and/or launching a fundraising campaign to replace items, she said.
“We are also looking into increasing our security measures including installing cameras and added door and window reinforcements,” Slabaugh added.
Anyone with information about the break-in or the missing items can call Fort Worden State Park rangers Dave Bowen or Jheison Chinchilla at 360-228-5764.
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Reporter Brian Gawley can be reached at brian.gawley@peninsula dailynews.com.