Story Published: Feb 2, 2012 at 6:36 PM PDT
Story Updated: Feb 2, 2012 at 6:36 PM PDT
A victim of the thefts found out her things weren't as secure as she was led to believe.
When our homes are overrun by our many treasures we turn to storage facilities.
But we do so with the expectation our belongings are safe from thieves. However, that isn't always the case.
"I just feel like they ripped my heart out when they took this stuff," said theft victim Martha Barns.
Barns rents a storage unit at Bob's Mini Storage in Lewiston; one of three that had locks broken off of them. Hers was the only unit touched.
"I feel totally devastated and violated. I mean my mother's memories...why would they want that stuff?" said Barnes.
Barns said she chose the storage facility because of the added security of cameras that were said to be recording around the clock. Barns learned the cameras never recorded a single second while thieves stole some of her most precious mementos of memories past.
"We are working on getting a system, but no, right now they are down," said Bob's Mini Storage owner and manager Jeanette Dickenson.
Dickenson said there's an element of risk that is unavoidable.
"They virtually store it at their own risk," said Dickenson. "I take no responsibility of them losing it, weather, rain, anything."
Police are asking that all storage unit renters be weary and purchase a stainless steal lock which is inserted after the door is shut.
"Why would they want that stuff?" said Barnes. "Unless it is for drugs or...I don't know. I hope they find them, and I am prepared to offer a reward if the stuff is returned, no questions asked. I want that stuff back."
Martha was robbed of her deceased mother's furniture including a significant chest which held baby memorabilia from her childhood.
"Please bring them back, I am serious about the reward," said Barnes.
There have been no robberies reported since the break in. However, this is the third time units at Bob's Mine Storage have been broken into.
