Cariboo Outlet owner Debbie Lambert had a rude surprise when coming in to open her store on April 26.
The store’s front door had been smashed by rocks and her business had been robbed.
“They took jewelry and clothes. They even took bubble bath and shampoo.
“But they passed up an expensive tray of silver jewelry.”
Items were later recovered on Dawson Road at 105 Mile, 100 Mile House RCMP Cpl. Brian Lamb says, adding the predominantly female clothing were found in two black garbage bags.
“We did seize some exhibits from the store that may be of use for DNA. It will take some time to process.
“If anyone saw something, we ask that you contact us or Crime Stoppers.”
Lambert says she did her normal closing procedure on Monday night with her daughter, Sarah, who had locked the till. The thieves were unable to break into the till, so did not get the small amount of cash float.
The culprits tried to break into the 100 Mile Barber Shop just down the street during the same time period, but were only able to seriously crack the door window, Leah Pratt says, adding they did not get into the building.
The police believe the attempted break-in was linked because of clothes hangers left out side of the barber shop’s building.
Pratt has three large rocks sitting on the floor of her shop that were used in the attempted break-in.
A few business owners came by that day to talk Lambert says, adding they all said this type of thing has happened to them in the past, and it is very hard on them.
Lambert didn’t hear of any other businesses getting broken into that night.
“[Other business owners] are getting pretty frustrated with this, maybe we need better lighting on Birch Avenue, maybe we have to think of cameras to help the police.”
“I feel violated. They obviously came into the store at an earlier time to see what I had. I’ll be a lot more wary of people, now.
“I do have insurance, but I’ll be putting in a camera and a security system as soon as possible.”
Lambert moved her business from Lone Butte about five months ago.
If you have any information on this or any other crimes in the 100 Mile House area, call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can also contact www.bccrimestoppers.com.