Jewelry stolen from Bay Days vendor

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) - Robin Stahura of Portsmouth works hard to perfect her craft.

"It's my stress release. I just love to create," Stahura said.

Stahura travels Virginia and North Carolina selling her jewelry at craft shows and festivals including Hampton Bay Days.

"I, myself, and a lot of other artists that were around me were told to our faces that there would be overnight security," Stahura said.

Stahura says Friday night she zipped up her tent, left her merchandise inside and went home for the evening.

"We take a risk every time we leave our stuff overnight, but when you're assured that the security is there, then you have faith that it is," Strahua said.

Saturday morning, Straihua's faith was tested. She noticed part of her tent unzipped and thought maybe someone reached in and stole a necklace.

"But then looking around I noticed another necklace was missing and some bracelets were missing and various other things, so when I went to get my bag to restock, the entire bag was gone," Strahua said.

$8,000 worth of jewelry and hours of hard work had disappeared in just moments.

"Talking with other artists, there were attempts into their tent as well. Whoever did it spent some time in that area," Strahua said.

Robin is frustrated and she wants answers.

"I just would like to know, was there really security or was it just, or were we just assured that there was? And the local police, were they told to just drive by every now and then just to see?"

No matter the response, this artist will not let the incident kill her creativity. As for the thief who stole her life's work?

"I feel very sorry for you because I believe in karma and you'll get yours one day," Strahua said.

Strahua says she does have insurance, but she says it will take some time to recoup the money. WAVY.com spoke with the president of Hampton Bay Days, who said they do have separate security called "Citizens on Patrol" that work hand in hand with the police at the event. He says he will look into possibly increasing security next year.