Family memories stolen during daytime break-in

BY ALBERT KRAMBERGER

editor@transcontinental.ca

Being victimized by a burglar is always unsettling, but one Pointe Claire mother is mourning over more than just stolen electronics and jewelry. Instead, she is worried about memories — lost when about 15 videocassettes containing images of her children where stolen from her home.

Someone forced a window at a home on Jefferson Avenue on June 15. The culprit stole a TV, DVDs, jewelry, cash as well as other goods sometime between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., police said, adding the crooks exited through the patio door.

“All our family videos were taken with the video camera,” homeowner Heather Cameron said. “Why did they take them?

“Some of the cassettes were labelled, like ‘Disney trip,’” she added. “You can’t replace memories. The videos have our kids from the time they were born to now. The videos also have grandparents that have now passed.”

Additionally, recent photos taken on a digital camera, also stolen, were not printed yet.

She wonders if the videocassettes will be tossed aside once the crook goes through the stolen goods.

“Maybe if someone finds them?” Cameron said wistfully.

Cameron and her husband have a six-year-old son and a 10-year-old daughter.

Cameron’s advice to other homeowners and parents is to keep their family videos separate from any cameras or electronic gadgets that may be targeted by thieves. While their insurance will help pay to replace stolen goods like the TV, Cameron said nothing can temper the sadness and grief she feels over her family’s stolen memories.

Meanwhile, they will be installing a home-alarm system. “Well, at least it’s a deterrent,” she said.

Police have no suspects in the break-in case, said Const. Liliana Bellucci of Station 5.쇓