Image provided by Cariboo Jade & Gifts

By Dylana Kneeshaw

SMALL BUSINESS THEFT

Landmark jade boulder stolen from Cache Creek storefront

Dec 20, 2020 | 11:08 AM

CACHE CREEK, B.C — A store in Cache Creek is asking the public to keep an eye out for a large jade boulder stolen Saturday evening (Dec. 19).

Heidi Roy, manager of Cariboo Jade & Gifts in Cache Creek says the jade boulder displayed in front of the store was stolen late last night.

Roy says the boulder was last seen in an older, grey and black Dodge pick up truck with a flat deck trailer and orange excavator on it heading towards Kamloops. They’ve since filed a report with the RCMP.

Roy says the boulder has been a landmark in Cache Creek for more than three decades after her family purchased it in 1985. The jade has lasted through years of floods and fires, so for the family who owns the store, the sentimental value is priceless.

“With that Jade Fever show publicizing jade, people sometimes get the wrong idea because there is different grades of jade. So if they think it’s a million dollar boulder, it’s certainly not,” explains Roy, “Really the value of the stone is in its complete form as a display piece – which also makes it extremely difficult for them to try to sell because it’s easily recognizable. If they try to cut it up it’s going to drop in value really fast.”

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Roy adds the distinctive shape and colour of the boulder will make it easily recognizable for the public. With RCMP involved, and social media shares within neighbouring communities, they’re hopeful the local landmark will be returned.

“It’s nice that the general public seems to feel as hurt and violated as we do that it’s been stolen. Which is kind of encouraging,” she notes, “You feel sometimes like you’re alone, especially in this whole tough year with the pandemic. So it’s nice to see everybody rallying together and trying to get this found.”

Anyone who has information about this incident or sees the boulder is asked to call RCMP.