A Watertown VFW post says someone broke in twice this month and stole thousands of dollars, a lottery machine and raffle money.

Police say burglars also targeted a nearby restaurant and that they've found similarities in the crimes and think the incidents are related.

The Thomaston Road VFW reported burglaries on Oct. 16 and 17, and police say someone struck Pasta Heaven, on the same street, around the same time.

The VFW says it lost more than $7,000 that would have gone to nonprofit purposes.

"It's disheartening -- we're a veterans organization," says Frank Trosky, of Waterbury. "Our mission is to help veterans, serve veterans. It makes you wonder what kind of person is running around out there."

The VFW is offering a $500 cash reward for information that leads to a conviction in the case.