Darrell and Amber Furmanek from Elite Jewellery & Loan are trying to get back on their feet again after a recent smash-and-grab at their Main Street business.
Lyonel Doherty photo
Despite being robbed and “violated,” two Oliver business owners have forgiven the perpetrator.
But they won’t forget.
“It was very violent, said Amber Furmanek of Elite Jewellery & Loan as she explained what she saw on the video footage.
The suspect, who was wearing a hoodie, smashed his way into the Main Street store with a crowbar just after 1 am on Thursday, April 10.
Amber and her soon-to-be husband, Darrell Furmanek, were notified by their security company that their store was breached.
The video shows a dark figure outside of the store with a crowbar. Amber said he smashed through the glass and forced his way through the metal security bars. He then proceeded to smash three jewellry display cases and steal $15,000 worth of sterling silver necklaces, bracelets, rings and pendants.
The total damage to the glass came to $4,000.
“In 45 seconds he was gone . . . he spent more time breaking in than what he grabbed,” Amber said. (Although he could have simply opened the sliding doors without using the crowbar.)
She commended the RCMP for responding within three minutes, calling it an “amazingly quick response.” She noted that a police officer guarded the shop while Darrell went home to get a piece of plywood to cover the door.
“The police have always been really good to us,” Amber said.
The break-in came a week before the couple planned to get married, but Amber said they were not going to let it ruin their lives.
“I cried . . . more than anything I feel violated. Inside those showcases, that’s my space.”
Amber pointed out that their clients’ jewelry was kept safe, and that no gold or diamonds were stolen. She stated that losing their clients’ treasures would be irresponsible.
Despite the incident that left them reeling, Amber said she forgives the perpetrator and hopes he does the right thing and comes forward.
“I don’t care who you are, we all have the right to a second chance,” Amber said.
She only wishes the young man would have come in and asked for help if he needed money. The theft was totally unnecessary, she added.
“I’m transparent. I’d probably give you my last twenty dollars and do without . . . I’ve been there.”
Darrell and Amber have been doing business in Oliver for three years. They initially struggled to make a living and continue to face challenges to keep their doors open.
The couple have opened their hearts to those in need, including the food bank and the ladies auxiliary.
“We want to help and pay it forward,” said Amber, who pointed that nobody steals from their store because of their attitude towards people.
“Every human wants love, no matter how mean or cold they are.”
Since the robbery, people have come into the store and purchased items to help Amber and Darrell get back on their feet.
“The support has been very good . . . we really appreciate the bouquets of flowers and cards. It makes you feel welcomed here,” Amber said.
The RCMP continue to investigate the break-in by looking at the video and following up leads.
Anyone with information can give it anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
