By Nigel Maxwell

Stolen van returned to P.A. woman

Dec 15, 2017 | 1:11 PM

The Prince Albert foster parent, whose van was stolen from her driveway with Christmas gifts inside, said she fears another parent was responsible

Melanie Brown spoke to paNOW about the incident that happened last week. Although the presents were still missing when her black Dodge Caravan was returned to her Thursday afternoon, it wasn’t completely empty. 

“[The thieves] left their belongings and their children’s blankets and juice boxes in my vehicle, and empty alcohol cans,” Brown said.

Brown said she has moved past anger at this point, and just can’t believe another parent, possibly while impaired, was out driving her vehicle with their kids inside.

“I’m heartbroken that somebody couldn’t understand the effect that would have on another family to take those personal belongings,” she said.

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Along with two child car seats, the Christmas presents, and her husband’s anniversary gift, the thieves also stole an art bag, art supplies and a sketch book belonging to Brown’s daughter.

“I haven’t even had a chance to tell her that yet, because I am trying to process my own emotions,” she said.

On top of the cost of replacing the presents, Brown said she will also have to pay a $700 deductible to have her van fixed. The rearview mirror was ripped out, she said, and there are signs the vehicle was in some sort of accident as it was returned with a scrape and dent on the driver’s side. 

Brown said she will also have to pay $250 in towing fees for when her vehicle was moved from where it was found to the police station.

“If I had just gone to claim my vehicle when the police had found it, it would not have cost me anything, but because I wanted somebody to be held accountable now I have to pay those towing fees,” she said.

There is one positive side to this story. In the days following the initial theft, Brown said she received many phone calls from people in the community and across the province, offering support and gifts for her family. She said it all felt very overwhelming and so, in return for the gifts, she felt compelled to offer acts of service.

“I accepted some money from a friend of mine in the United States, and a portion of that money bought coffee for a couple of homeless people,” she said.

Brown said she donated used clothing to the Children’s Haven in Prince Albert, and is volunteering time to ring the kettle bell for the Salvation Army.

Police said there have been no arrests, and the incident is still under investigation.

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell