A local business owner is looking for the community’s help, after a number of sentimental items were stolen from her.
Taunya Van Allen of Winchester Kennels says sometime between January 10-14th, someone entered her home while she was away, and stole a safe containing multiple pieces of jewelry, as well as back-up funds for her business.
The theft, coupled with the revenue lost from 11-months of COVID-closures since the pandemic began, has reduced the kennel’s gross income by 85 percent.
Van Allen says she doesn’t know what will happen to her business going forward.
“I’ve been here for four years and I’ve been absolutely thrilled with the quality of people who are here, quality of the businesses, the community, all of that has just been amazing here,” she said. “I don’t want to lose that faith, and hope, and trust in Winchester and North Dundas.”
The safe is described as 0.5 cubic feet in size, and required a passcode to enter.
The items that were stolen include a teardrop pendant on a chain with matching earrings, pearl and diamond earrings, a vintage pearl necklace, and a half dozen rings, including Van Allen’s grandmother’s engagement ring.
She says she’s heartbroken from the incident, but she’s encouraged by the community’s support.
“Emotionally, I’m recovering, because complete strangers are sending me their kind thoughts, pictures of jewelry that they’ve come across that matches the description,” she said. “That’s how people have been helping, that’s how they can help, and it’s just really encouraging for me.”
Van Allen has contacted the OPP in Winchester, who are investigating the theft, and a client has since set up a GoFundMe page in order to help alleviate any financial losses.
She says despite the circumstances, she’s hopeful that her items and the money will be returned.
“My grandmothers’ ring is the last piece of jewelry I have from here, the only item I inherited from her,” she said. “And the fact that someone would take from me the only piece of my grandmother that I have left, when they know what she meant to me, it’s just crushing.”
If you have any information, you’re asked to contact the Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.