Burglars steal safe
By BENJAMIN C. SHARP bensharp@journal-spectator.com

Those responsible for breaking into Kelly Boedeker's CR 144 home took more than just his personal property, they took his life savings.

The five-foot tall gun safe the burglars stole was filled with deeds, life insurance policies, annuities and a sum of cash amassed over Boedeker's 50 years of life.

And as if that wasn't bad enough, the thieves used Boedeker's own Chevrolet pickup to haul the safe off.

Boedeker said that the incident, which occurred Dec. 7, has been devastating.

Although his pickup was recovered virtually unscathed just hours after the break-in, only pieces of the safe were found. What was inside is still missing. "I'm 50 years old, and that's where I kept all my money," he said.

Sgt. John Gutierrez of the Wharton County Sheriff's Department is investigating the case. It's believed the break-in occurred in broad daylight. The burglars entered Boedeker's residence through a rear glass doorway.

The gun safe was hidden in a bedroom closet. Other items of value were nearby, but left untouched. Boedeker believes the burglars knew what they were looking for.

"It's somebody that knew there was a safe out here."

The safe, which was hunter green in color, was loaded into the bed of Boedeker's own 1996 Chevrolet pickup. A big screen television was also taken.

Gutierrez said the pickup was found a few hours later off Texas 60 between Lane City and Wharton. Fragments of the safe were also reportedly found off FM 3012.

Boedeker is offering a reward for anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest of the burglars. He encouraged anyone with information to call Sgt. Gutierrez at 532-1550.