When 91-year-old Dolores lost her husband Vernon, she thought her biggest challenge would be learning to live alone. She never imagined she’d have to defend her home from burglars—let alone catch them red-handed.
Dolores had noticed something odd about her neighbor Bob. The unemployed 31-year-old had been lurking around her property, peering through windows, and making her feel uneasy. Then one evening, she caught him and another man in her backyard. They fled when she threatened to call the police, but Dolores knew they’d be back.
She installed security cameras and new locks, but that wasn’t enough. When the intruders returned at midnight, Dolores stayed calm. Calling 911 first, she then hatched a brilliant plan.
“Vernon, I miss you!” she called out loudly near the kitchen window. “Your grandfather’s gold watch and that antique silver flute are still safe in the garage—worth thousands!”
The bait worked perfectly. The burglars took the bait and headed straight for the garage. Dolores sprang into action, locking them inside with a spray of gas to disorient them until police arrived.
When officers unmasked the intruders, Dolores wasn’t surprised to see Bob’s face. “I knew it was him!” she told the shocked officers.
Now living safely with her son’s family, Dolores runs “Dolores and Vernon’s Treasure House,” proving you’re never too old to be a hero.
