Jewelry store owner, 84, decides to arm herself after thieves target her business

An 84-year-old jewelry store owner in Manteca, California, is arming herself after being targeted by thieves.

What happened?

Patty Reece, owner of New York Diamonds told KOVR-TV that she’s getting a gun because police are not doing enough.

“Well, I’m a little upset,” Reece said.

She has a great laugh and sense of humor, but now is learning how to have great aim, KOVR-TV reported.

Reece is learning how to shoot a gun, and plans to apply for a concealed weapon permit. She is taking extreme measures to protect her property after a break-in was caught on her store surveillance cameras, the TV station reported.

“I just think it’s time somebody knocks off the baloney,” Reece said.

Surveillance video shows burglars breaking through the glass doors of her store. At one point, they talk to a man walking by with a bike. Then they continue their work, KOVR reported.

Did the thieves get anything?

Eventually, the burglars were scared away before getting inside the store.

“This was sort of an embarrassment,” Reece told KOVR.

Reece is usually supportive of the Manteca police. She has framed photos of them on her walls. She also told KOVR she has donated to the police department’s K-9 unit.

But now Reece says she’s disappointed. The break-in happened more than a month ago, but police have done nothing with the surveillance video, she told the TV station.

“All the time went by and no one did anything,” Reece said.

Manteca police told KOVR there was a mix-up, but they are back on the case.

“They gave me an explanation, yes,” Reece said.

But instead of waiting for more explanations, the 84-year-old decided to be proactive.

Reece has been known for her diamond displays for decades, KOVR reported. Now she’s working to protect them.

“’I love jewelry,” she said.

Reece said she has no plans to hunt down the burglars. She just wants to be ready if they decide to return.

“I’m not looking for them,” Reece said. “I just want to take care of them if they come.”