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The retired couple says that the burglars stole up to $10,000 worth of jewelry, cash, and family heirlooms.
STOCKTON, Calif. — A Stockton neighborhood is in shock after a burglary in the Brookside community. The burglar or burglars broke into the home of a retired couple minutes after they left for a local senior center on Wednesday.
Brookside is one of Stockton’s most affluent neighborhoods, with its own private security. The couple, both retired teachers, said they never imagined a crime like this could happen to them.
“I think we’re the first victims… I came home, and I went upstairs, and it’s like a tornado went through,” said Sylvia, one of the victims. “All the bedrooms: ransacked. Especially, our bedroom. Everything, all my dressers, they took all my jewelry.”
Every mattress was flipped, and every closet was left in disarray. Even the cases on their pillows—apparently used to carry off jewelry, cash and family heirlooms—were gone. The stolen items could be worth as much as $10,000.
“All my jewelry, jade and all that, it’s from different countries, especially from my mother. My favorite ones, the jade… All gone,” Sylvia said. “They must’ve known that we have a set schedule. They know exactly where to look for things… Very brazen.”
According to the couple, the burglars entered by smashing through a glass door in the backyard just moments after they left for the senior center.
The victims believe the crime may have started on a somewhat busy street that runs along their backyard. They believe the burglars likely hopped over a wall to access the backyard. That part of the home is the only area that did not have any security cameras, but the couple plans to install them.
“I didn’t think this could happen. I think people are nice,” Sylvia said.
Now, with memories stolen, Sylvia and her husband hope others take warning.
“You have to be vigilant,” Sylvia said. “It doesn’t matter how secure your place is; you have to be careful.”
The couple called 911 and filed a police report online. They are still waiting to speak with a detective and hope to report the case to insurance.
“Life is like this… Ups and downs. We just learn our lesson and then move on,” Sylvia said. “Whoever got a hold of my jewelry, enjoy it.”
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