Police searching for suspects who stole military memorabilia from N.B. senior

New Brunswick police say military artifacts were stolen from an elderly veteran’s home.

New Brunswick RCMP continue to search for three suspects who broke into an elderly man’s home in Nasonworth, N.B., during broad daylight late last week.

Allen Kennedy, 91, told CTV Atlantic it has been difficult trying to fall asleep the past few nights as he wrestles with the break-in itself and what has become of his military artifacts.

The Canadian Armed Forces veteran says it has been having an impact on his mental health as well.

It was sometime between noon and 1 p.m. the trio - one female and two males - entered Kennedy’s home on Robby’s Road through the unlocked front door, as he recalls. He was then restrained to a chair with zip ties while the vandals looted his home for about 15 minutes before departing.

He managed to free himself and went next door for help as he said the thieves took all the phone cords in his home.

Among the stolen items were various war medals and memorabilia, a Gurkha kukri war knife from overseas gifted to him by a friend while serving, and around $45,000. He says the thieves had also planned to steal a near complete collection of Royal Canadian Mint coins, but were left in a bag on a sofa, which is now in the hands of the RCMP as part of the investigation.

While RCMP were not available for an interview today, they told CTV via email the investigation is ongoing. They ask anyone with any information on the incident to contact them or Crime Stoppers.

The force also provided a number of simple steps to help reduce the risk of becoming a victim of a home invasion such as:

• keep doors and windows locked, even when you are home
• install exterior lighting and keep entryways well lit, especially at night
• use security cameras or alarm systems if possible
• do not open the door to unexpected visitors unless you can verify who they are
• be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious activity in your neighbourhood to police
• avoid sharing travel plans or extended absences on social media
• keep valuables out of sight from windows and doors
• trim shrubs and trees around entrances to eliminate potential hiding spots
• ensure house numbers are clearly visible so emergency responders can locate your home quickly if needed
• look out for your neighbours and encourage them to do the same.

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.