Lyonel Doherty

Times-Chronicle

Derrick Robson sits dejected behind several smashed display cases in his store.

At first it looks like he’s setting up a new business in Oliver, with merchandise scattered about waiting to be shelved. But no, he’s the latest victim of a break-in that has cost him several thousand dollars in stolen rarities at Cherry Picked Collectibles on Main Street.

Surprisingly, however, he’s remaining positive.

Having professionally worked with vulnerable individuals in the past, Robson knows the struggles that young people face.

That’s why he’s hoping the thieves get the help they need to turn their lives around.  But first comes accountability.

The businessman, who admits he’s just a “big kid” playing with toys, leans against one of the fragile glass cabinets.

He points to the emptiness where collectible hockey cards and vintage money were stolen in a brazen break-in at 5:19 a.m. on Nov. 22.

Robson said the thieves tried to drill through the lock and then broke the door glass to gain entry. Once inside, they smashed five display cases to access the collectibles. They also stole a valuable horse saddle.

The thieves grabbed nearly 100 hockey cards, some dating back to the 1920s and 30s.

Old Canadian and American currency also caught their eye, particularly an 1874 American 25 cent bill.

A lot of costume jewelry including brass rings were also taken, along with an 1860 baseball mitt that someone had on consignment.

Robson noted that insurance doesn’t cover any of the collectibles, only the cases they were displayed in.

What left him scratching his head is the fact the thieves ignored a lot of valuable items, such as old train sets.

“They didn’t take things that had value, other than the currency and the cards they can flip (resell).”

Robson said the individuals left evidence behind that police are looking at in their investigation, and he’s confident the thieves will be identified.

Whether he gets any of his collectibles back is irrelevant.

“I have a positive attitude because my father, who passed away a couple of months ago, said it’s just stuff, and he’s right . . . just stuff.”

Oliver businessman Derrick Robson picks up the pieces after his store was broken into on Monday.
(Photo by Lyonel Doherty)

Robson admitted he is angry right now but he’s careful not to paint everyone with the same brush.

“I understand the issues with drugs, alcohol and abuse because I’ve worked in the business, I know what they’re going through . . . I can understand it.”

But that doesn’t give them the right to do what they do, he’s quick to add.

Robson plans to dust himself off and re-open the store, noting he has a lot of support from the community.

“It’s tough,” he said, but he refuses to be bitter against his fellow man.

However, other than one person, he wonders why people didn’t see or report anything in that location, which is well lit.

“There’s a lot of traffic going by (on Main Street) . . . people going to work.”

Robson estimates that the thieves were working his store for 40 minutes. He noted they also tried to drill the lock out of a business next door, a hemp shop.

“If they’re that brazen, what’s stopping them during the day and hurting someone or whatever. Desperate times call for desperate measures.”

Robson said the fitting consequence in this case is whatever will prompt these people to stop what they are doing.

“If they have a history of this, then obviously they need the extra help. You can’t ask for more; what else do you do? I just don’t want to see other people have to go through this.”

Robson is hoping to incorporate some form of added security when he reopens in the near future.

Oliver RCMP Sgt. Don Wrigglesworth said an investigator is actively working the case.