Diamond stolen from Burnaby Neighbourhood House in 'devastating' break-and-enter

Burnaby Neighbourhood House says it lost nearly $20,000 of goods including a donated diamond in a break-and-enter at the B.C. Lower Mainland charity Sunday.

Executive directorAntoniaBeck says the thieves broke in on Sunday morning, taking an entry fob from an external lock box and making off witha large1920s safecontaining many items donated to the charity.

Amongother things, the safe contained valuable donationsfor the charity's upcoming Great Gatsby-themed fundraiser, includinga small diamond appraised at $6,500, and a range of gift cards and prizes for their silent auction.

"It was really devastating," said Beck, who said she couldn't believe anyone managed to move the safe, which weighedan estimated 1,000 pounds.

"When I found out that the safe had been stolen, I think that was the most upsetting thing for me, because I just really never thought that would happen to us."

Ironically, says Beck, the diamond was supposed to be part of a theatrical presentation at the fundraising gala in February, telling the story of a diamond that goes missing.

Youth donations also stolen

Beck says the theft has been reported to the RCMP andsecurity at the charity, which offers support programs for community members in Burnaby,is being reviewed.

The fob key in the external lock box, intended for use by emergency services, not only gave the thieves access to the whole office but also switched off all building alarms, she said.

Beck said the theft has been shocking to everyone at the house, especially their youth leadership group, a group of 17 and 18 year oldswho have lost$800 of donations they had stored in the safe.

The teenagers had intended to use the cash, collected over the holidays,to fundprojects helping refugees and homeless peoplein the coming monthsbut are now having to rethink their plans.

WhileBeck says the charity isasking donors to help replace the cash and donated items if possible, the diamond is irreplaceable.

"Stealing is badbut to steal from a charity that helps people is even worse," said Beck. "If they have the diamond and they would like to give it back, we'd really appreciate that."