It had not been played since her husband died in 1997, but it was one of her most cherished possessions.
When 75-year-old Irene Field returned to her Nanaimo home after a recent vacation, she was devastated to learn that her house had been ransacked by thieves, and one of the items missing was her beloved French cello.
“My husband was the only one to play it and it brought us much enjoyment,” said Field. “He passed in 1997 and it has not been played since. It holds a special place in my heart.”
Her front door had been kicked in and inside the home all the rooms had been turned upside down. Other items missing were a violin, jewelry, purses, Royal China, clothing, golf clubs and a television, among others, totalling in the thousands of dollars.
When Field was still on vacation, police had began investigating the theft and four people were quickly arrested after the missing items began appearing at local pawn shops.
First to be arrested was a 20-year-old man and a 43-year-old woman, followed by a 37-year-old and a 43-year-old, both men. Mounties said all of the people were from Nanaimo and were previously known to police. All face charges of possession of stolen property.
“Incredibly, many of these keep sakes were simply taken to local drug houses in exchange for drugs,” said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP. “Others were pawned for cash, and sadly other items may never be located. The file is still very active and more charges are expected.”
At this time, only the 43-year-old man has been issued with a court date.
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