A burglar stole a 300 pound safe from the home of an elderly Berkeley couple, containing an estimated $500,000 in jewelry and other valuables.
The couple decided the police department just didn’t have the resources to help them get their family treasures back, and instead hired their own investigator, according to reporting by KPIX.
The burglar seemed to know exactly where his target was, according to the couple. Upon entering their home, he went upstairs and dragged the safe across the hardwood floor and used a quilt off a bed to get it down the stairs.
"It was oh my God, the entire safe had been stolen," said the male victim.
According to the victims, who asked to not be identified, the safe contained family heirlooms they hoped to one day pass on to their grandchildren.
"There are valuable things inside a safe but more importantly, there are priceless memories," the female victim said.
Treasures include a $5 gold piece, owned by her great great grandfather, who was a key figure in the abolitionist movement. "I like to think he held the coin and maybe Abraham Lincoln did too," she said.
Their home was one of three broken into that same day in the area, all victims are elderly homeowners in their 70s and 80s. They have surveillance video of the man and hope he might be recognized.
A $40,000 reward is being offered, no questions asked, for the return of the safe.
"This could be a good kid deep down inside and maybe it’s enough it can turn somebody’s life away from making money this way," the couple said.
Anyone with information is asked to call 415-961-0980.
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