A large safe was stolen by thieves who broke into the Burnaby Neighbourhood House shortly after midnight Saturday.
“It’s just surprising that they were able to move it,” executive director Antonia Beck said. “It must weigh a thousand pounds.”
Inside the safe was a diamond appraised at $6,500. It was supposed to be the prize at an upcoming Great Gatsby-themed fundraising gala that includes, ironically, a diamond heist.
The thieves were able to access the building, located near the Metrotown SkyTrain station, by breaking a lockbox at the front door and getting a key fob. They were there for about 10 hours, rifling through offices and breaking locks. Beck estimates the damage at around $20,000.
Thieves also took about $1,000 that was raised and donated by members of the youth program.
“We were raising money for the Syrian refugees as well as some Burnaby homes that are in need of help,” Charles Qian said.
“I just feel angry. It’s unfair. It’s our money and it’s money that we spent a lot of time to fundraise.”
It’s the second time this month a charity has been targeted by thieves. On January 2, the BC Cancer Foundation was ransacked. There is nothing connecting the two break-ins, but in each case it’s hoped surveillance video will help police catch those responsible.
“I’m speechless,” Beck said. “I don’t know why somebody would target a charity and a neighbourhood house that is here to help the residents of Burnaby.”
Neighbourhood House staff are also concerned about possible fraud. They say someone went through a binder filled with information. They are reminding people that they never solicit funds over the phone or door-to-door.
– With files from Jill Bennett
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