The family of an elderly woman whose rings were stolen right off her fingers as she recovered in a Vancouver General Hospital bed say many people have reached out to help.
Ninety-one-year-old Agnes Ulmer's grandson Jason Dudlets said her story has touched people right across the country, and some people have even offered to replace the rings.
"One gentleman from Ottawa offered to replace the jewelry that was stolen," said Dudlets.
Other offers have poured in, he said, most from people who wanted to remain anonymous. Dudlet was overwhelmed with the generosity, he said.
Over the weekend, Ulmer's three priceless rings were stolen right off her fingers as she recovered from a leg amputation over the weekend.
The thief was caught on video -- but his face wasn't visible.
Still, Vancouver Police told CTV on Wednesday they've zeroed in on a prime suspect. There have been no arrests yet, police said.
"We don't hate this person. We just want the rings back," said Dudlets.
But Ulmer continues to struggle with the loss, he said.
"She's still heartbroken. I don't think her heart will be fixed until the rings are returned. And we're not going to rest until they are returned," he said.
One ring has three diamond stones, one is a gold band with scrolling, and the other is a small solitaire, she said.
"She's had them for years and years and years," she said.
Another elderly woman says she was the victim of theft from a hospital -- this time at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster.
Ruth Milward, 93, said she left a purse on a bed in a hospital room, and it was gone in a flash.
They found the purse on the stairs below, but the thief was never caught. Her belongings were never returned.
Milward said she can't imagine losing the rings she's had for decades.
"I just don't know how anyone could do anything like that," she said.
Anne Nelson said she's seen illegal activity at the hospital as well, this time at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver.
"I saw drug dealing, we saw people walking around the elevator and we saw drug deals being made," she said.
"(Hospital) security is so lax, and I understand that they want visitors to come and go," said Nelson. "But maybe times are changing."
Nelson said she thinks all hospital visitors should have to sign in.
But hospital officials say they're not so sure.
"Anyone can secure a prison, lock a place at night, but hospitals need to be open to come and go and supply support to their loved ones," said Don MacAlister of Fraser Health.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Carrie Stefanson
