‘It’s an awful feeling’
Police investigating theft of wedding cards during New Waterford reception
Culprits have sunk to a new low in New Waterford.
The Cape Breton Regional Police are investigating the theft of wedding cards during a reception in the community.
“Hearing what happened you just feel sick to your stomach really,” said Ashley DeGiobbi-Lynk.
DeGiobbi-Lynk, 29, who works for the Cape Breton District Health Authority, and Lenny Lynk, 36, a foreman working out West, married on July 23 and held their reception at the Army Navy Airforce Club in New Waterford.
She said they didn’t find out until a week later that someone took some of the wedding cards that friends and family brought to their reception. Someone found 10 of the cards opened and discarded on King Street the day after the reception and contacted police. However, the newlyweds really don’t have any way of knowing how many cards may have been taken.
DeGiobbi-Lynk said they felt disgusted someone would do something like this.
“We don’t have any idea what happened but it’s an awful feeling knowing someone did this.”
She said it’s not only the fact this theft occurred on their special day, but these were gifts their friends and family gave to them.
“It’s like they were robbed, too, because it was their money.”
She said the police still have the cards.
“They are considered evidence until they find the people responsible.”
Her mother, Rhonda DeGiobbi, said they didn’t have any idea this had happened until a week after the reception.
“We opened the cards the day after the reception and didn’t know anything was missing until the police called us,” she said.
“The police said the cards were found abandoned on the side of the road — a runner had apparently found them the next day at 7 a.m.”
DeGiobbi said the news left an awful feeling inside her.
“I didn’t think anyone would ever do anything that mean.”
Rhonda said they believe it happened during the supper as the cards the police did find, were ones brought during the dinner.
“As soon as the supper was over I emptied the box myself and took the cards home.”
She said they didn’t find out for a week because police were trying to track down where the cards came from.
“There was only a last name on one of the cards that they found. That’s how they ended up contacting me.”
Shannon Kerr, spokeswoman for the Cape Breton Regional Police Service, said police are investigating this incident are asking anyone with any information on this incident to contact them at 902563-5151, or Crime Stoppers at 902-562-8477.
Everett Durdle, president of the Army Navy Airforce Club Unit 217, said the club felt bad hearing what happened to the young couple and hopes those responsible are apprehended.
“My wife and I were at the wedding reception.”
He said this club has been part of the community more than 60 years and he has never heard of anything like this happening at a reception or similar event at their hall.
Durdle said the club has a box used for events at the hall with a small slit on the top, with a lock. He said anyone renting their hall for any type of event is welcome to use it.
“The key would be given to the person looking after the box.”
Durdle said they work hard to keep the hall secure and it is equipped with security cameras inside and outside.