Sarah Scott says when a thief broke into her home on Old Sambro Road Monday, they stole not only jewelry but also managed to haul off a 54-kilogram safe containing old stamps, coins and personal documents.

None of the family were home at the time, and Scott said the break-in likely happened while she was at her business, Nova United Martial Arts. At first she thought her husband may have moved the safe.

"I looked around the room and I didn't see it, but then I saw my jewelry box smashed on the floor and I looked at my dresser and my other jewelry box was emptied and my ring box was missing," said Scott.

"I cannot recall feeling that gross in my whole life. Gross is the only word I can use to describe it because I almost felt like I was going to throw up. I immediately thought someone must have known us to do that."

Police investigating

Scott called Halifax Regional Police who confirmed to CBC News they're investigating the break-in.

"The only reason I got the safe was for fire," Scott said. "It was just to put my documents in so if the house burnt down, I would have all my documents. People get robbed. I honestly never thought someone would rob us."

Scott said she bought the black knee-high safe from Canadian Tire two years ago. She said it contained old coins, stamps, along with the family's passports and other documents.

She said much of the jewelry — including a pearl ring that belonged to her great-grandmother and an engagement ring she was hoping to pass on to her daughter — held a lot of sentimental value.

Scott said she got a call from RCMP in Tantallon Tuesday saying they found a safe on St. Margarets Bay Road. That safe didn't belong to Scott, but she said police told her it too had been stolen.

Halifax Regional Police say safes are sometimes taken during break-ins and don't consider it a trend.