Fredericton-area family displaced due to break-in and vandalism

A Fredericton-area family of seven has been temporarily displaced after their home was broken into and vandalized over the weekend.

A couple and their five children came home from a weekend trip to find the home they rent broken into on Leeland Way in Douglas, N.B.

The mother, who asked not to be named for safety reasons, said she arrived home Sunday evening to find the door to the garage open.

“I got out and as soon as I got to basically where the door was before the garage you could see that it was kicked-in.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I got out and as soon as I got to basically where the door was before the garage you could see that it was kicked-in."

She said she went into the house and immediately noticed televisions were taken from the main floor and said it was obvious there was no one in the house.

She said food and items from the fridge were smashed through the china cabinet and said there was also a hole in the wall and said other small electronics were also stolen.  As soon as she realized what had happened, she said she ran outside to call police.

READ MORE: Saint John police investigating after vandals trash vacant home

“I’m glad my kids didn’t come inside because for them to see their home, that is supposed to be a safe place, look like that is heartbreaking,” she said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I'm glad my kids didn't come inside because for them to see their home, that is supposed to be a safe place, look like that is heartbreaking," she said.

The mother of five told Global News Tuesday she was “hurt” and “scared”.

The family recently moved to New Brunswick in the spring from another part of the country.

“We never thought something like this could happen.  We picked a great community to rent in and everyone has been so welcoming and everything and for something like this to happen is really hard to understand,” she said.

She said the landlord has insurance, but the family didn’t.

In a news release from the Canadian Red Cross, they said they are providing emergency help for the family.

“Red Cross volunteers have assisted with emergency lodging, food and personal-care items for a day or two while police continue their investigation,” wrote Atlantic communications director Dan Bedell.

The family told Global News they were able to stay in a hotel for two nights thanks to the Red Cross, but said they were unsure of what to do if they were unable to go back to their home Wednesday.

READ MORE: Vandals trash N.B. home under construction, RCMP investigating

Keswick RCMP Cpl. Jean-Francois Martel said they have suspects in mind but no arrests have been made.  Martel said the investigation is still ongoing and are asking anyone with information to call the RCMP.

Martel said investigators who attended the scene described the home as being “upside down.” He said it appears that multiple people entered the house.  He said police responded to the call Sunday at 9 p.m.

He said the Forensics Identification section attended the scene Monday to try to collect footprints, boot prints and DNA.  Martel said they are waiting for a report back.

The RCMP said it is an isolated incident and doesn’t want the public to be concerned.

Global News learned Tuesday afternoon the family was also going to receive assistance from Big Hearts, Small City.

Big Hearts, Small City president and founder Jason Surette told Global News they spoke to the landlord this afternoon, and said he is trying to get the house all cleaned up and make all repairs to the home to make it safe.  He said the family should be able to move back in Friday at the latest.

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