A break-in has left employees at the state Ethics Commission puzzled and a few cents poorer - and with fewer items in the fridge.

The commission's office space at the American Savings Bank tower, 1001 Bishop St., was broken into sometime Monday night or Tuesday morning.

Despite all the sensitive documents housed at the office, only some loose change in desks, a post office key and a laptop briefcase were taken.

“;They happened to get to the refrigerator, and they ate ice cream and pie,”; said Executive Director Daniel Mollway. “;I have a micro-tape recorder on my desk, and that wasn't taken. We have laptops and they weren't taken, either. It's kind of strange.”;

This was the first break-in Mollway could remember in his 27 years at the commission.

Mollway said tiny straws like the ones used to stir coffee were found lodged into the door locks, but it was not certain how entry was made.

Police have opened a burglary case. Mollway said the break-in is a big concern because the building has 24-hour security, including cameras and regular checks by security personnel.

“;It means they have some kind of device that's able to open doors quite easily,”; Mollway said. “;I am thinking about some internal security measures.”;

Mollway said the front doors of the building are locked at 7 p.m. every day. The commission does have bulletproof glass as a result of “;unstable”; people that have come by the office before.

The staff, most of whom are attorneys, work all hours of the day, and Mollway said it was fortunate nobody was in the office when the break-in occurred.

“;It's not reassuring that somebody can just come into our office,”; he said. “;Our foremost concern is to make sure we protect our own staff.”;

Mollway said it has not yet been determined exactly what was taken. There still needs to be a log of what personal effects might have been stolen, because many desks were rummaged through.

The five-member commission administers and enforces the state governmental ethics and lobbying laws, including those pertaining to gifts and financial disclosures.