After three break-ins over a 2 1/2 week period, the Challenge-Disability Resource Group has improved lighting around its Front Street location.

It's also had work done on its alarm system and is taking other measures to improve security.

Challenge executive director Rick Goodfellow said in an interview Monday the first break-in occurred in mid-September.

It happened on the same night that Gold Originals by Charlotte on Main Street was broken into and $60,000 worth of jewelry stolen. At the time, the building's security system was down as renovations were being done.

Three computers, four monitors, a scanner and a boys' mountain bike were taken from Challenge.

The group – which assists people with disabilities in finding jobs – was able to get the computers and a monitor back.

That happened when someone came in on the following Monday who knew about the break-ins and, following an altercation, left them there before getting away.

The following weekend, Goodfellow said, the building was broken into again.

This time, thieves kicked in the back door to Challenge's Bridges Café, taking the money out of the tip jar.

By this point, the security system had been installed, but thieves still broke in a third time, smashing a window to gain access.

"People feel very violated,” Goodfellow said of Challenge employees, noting that it's not just his group and Gold Originals that are having problems.

"They feel very vulnerable.”

Goodfellow was informed when having the building rekeyed that there have been several calls from downtown businesses and groups needing to have their buildings rekeyed following break-ins.

The group is also taking other measures to ward off intruders.

Sensor lights have been installed outside the building, and Goodfellow noted that while tourists may not appreciate the lights' effect, staff need to do what they can to prevent break-ins.

No money is kept on site anymore either.

"Even the tip jar goes,” he said.

While the building has cameras, Goodfellow noted that identifying intruders is nearly impossible with the balaclavas and other clothing used to cover any identifying features.

"They know what they're doing,” he said.

In the 10 years Goodfellow has worked with Challenge, it's been broken into about 10 times previous to this, but this is the first time there's been a rash of break-ins.

There were no burglaries to the building last weekend, he said.

The damage to the building is not quite enough to warrant an insurance claim, given the $1,000 deductible Challenge would have to pay.

While that leaves the non-profit agency paying to fix up the damage, Goodfellow noted the group has been fortunate to get help from the community.

The other day, he noted, work was being done on the electrical system, which also involved having to get work performed on the ceiling.

Staff with Deano's Electric Service told Goodfellow not to worry about it because they would look after that at no cost.

It's people like that, he said, who help put his faith back in humanity.

Whitehorse RCMP said could not be reached for comment about the problems.