Senior striken by brazen burgler

A 101-year-old Black Diamond resident was left in shock after a brazen thief broke into her home last weekend and stole precious jewelry, including her wedding ring.

Shortly after Erma Brown woke up on the morning of April 10, she realized someone had been in her house and taken jewelry from her bedroom.

“The window was all the way open and some of her drawers were pulled open a little,” she said, demonstrating what she saw in her small bedroom. “I’m looking in my drawer and I realized it was empty, just a few odds and ends.”

She said she was watching TV in her living room while the thief rummaged through her belongings.

Brown noticed some things were out of place, the door was unlocked and bedroom window screen was on the floor that night.

“I thought, Oh my goodness, that’s odd,’” she recalled. “I thought [the screen] was so old it broke.”

She didn’t realize someone was in her home until the following morning.

Brown promptly called her daughter and the Turner Valley RCMP arrived shortly after.

According to an RCMP press release, it’s believed unknown culprit(s) specifically targeted the home when they gained entry through her unlocked bedroom window and removed jewelry. It also states that some items stolen were of significant sentimental value to the family.

“They took a lot of jewelry – earrings, broaches and my wedding ring - I can’t wear it because it now slides off my finger,” said Brown, adding she had containers full on her dresser that are now gone, as was her pillow case from her bed. “There may have been things that belonged to my mother. I don’t know what all.”

Brown said she is mystified by what happened.

“It almost seems as though it was a gag of some kind,” she said. “Maybe someone dared someone to do it.”

While Brown’s demeanor is calm and relaxed, she said the incident has left her a little shaken and wondering if the incident was real.

“Sunday morning I had a panic attack,” she said, adding her family was around to help her. “I’ve lived comfortably here without thinking of such a thing. The thing is they imposed themselves on my property.”

Brown has been an part of the Black Diamond community since moving to the town 87 years ago. She worked as an administrator for the Town of Black Diamond for 20 years and served on numerous committees and assisted with various projects including the seniors’ lodge and library.

“As far as I’m concerned Black Diamond is part of me,” she said. “I got married here, raised my children here, it’s my life.”

One of the hardest parts of the home invasion and theft for Brown is how it’s impacted her family.

“The family is very concerned,” she said. “They are very upset. I don’t like things upsetting my family.”

Brown’s family was quick to act following the incident, securing Brown’s window so no one can gain entry again and they will install a light in her yard.

In the meantime, Brown said she’ll just have to move on.

“When I go to bed it comes to mind,” she said. “As time goes by it will be okay.”

Police are asking anyone with information about this event, or who may have notice suspicious persons or vehicles in the area on the night of April 9, to contact Turner Valley RCMP at 403-933-7227 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). Tipsters do not have to reveal their identity.