Thieves broke into R & S Gifts in the west end of Queen Charlotte and stole more than $10,000 worth of art, crystal and clothing from owner Ruth Kendall.
"I can't believe it," Ms Kendall told the Observer Tuesday afternoon. "I went by Sam's shop around 3 pm and my shop looked fine. It's scary that they can rob me on the islands. I've lived here eight years on the islands and I was never scared like this, but I'm scared now."
Ms Kendall's friend Nora discovered the robbery Tuesday morning when she went to open up the shop. The thieves broke through two deadbolts. A Masset policeman trained in forensic identification came south to help with the investigation.
Items stolen include a crystal chess set, two Haida argillite carvings, a crystal statue of Pegasus, some gold and silver eagle design jewellery, and six crystal cubes with laser carved figures inside.
Ms Kendall had just unpacked $15,000 worth of new inventory on Saturday. She is not insured, and the theft represents a significant amount of her income for the year. She hopes anyone who is approached to buy any of her items will immediately call Queen Charlotte RCMP at 559-4421.