Nanaimo RCMP are alerting the public to a notable increase in break-and-enters targeting commercial properties in the first week of 2024.
From January 1st to January 8th, a total of 25 incidents have been reported, representing a substantial rise compared to the same period in the previous year, which recorded eight break-ins.
Police said no residential break-ins have been reported during the same timeframe in 2024.
Incident overview:
- January 1st
- 400 block of Campbell Street: Two construction sites unlawfully entered; prompt police response prevented theft of power tools.
- January 2nd
- Coast Distributors in Lantzville: Chain link fence cut, shovels, and brooms stolen.
- 6300 Dover Road: Daycare break-in, front door smashed, offices rifled through, and two computers taken.
- 3653 Shenton Road: Chain link fence cut, two storage units broken into, and power tools stolen.
- January 4, 2024
- Harewood Turf Project, 798 Howard Avenue: Main gate broken, theft of a single plane rotary laser, assorted Milwaukee tools, and survey tripods.
- 700 block Poplar Street: Underground parking lot break-in, two bikes stolen.
- 500 block of Stewart Avenue: Underground parking lot break-in, bikes stolen.
- 3400 Shenton Road: Fenced compound break-in, two vehicles stolen (later recovered).
- January 6, 2024
- 4900 Songbird Place: Construction site break-in, police intervention, tools recovered, no charges.
- School District 68, Wakesiah Avenue: Chain link fence cut, power tools stolen.
To prevent break-and-enters, Nanaimo RCMP suggest installing motion detection alarms or security and reporting any after-hours activity near fenced areas to the police. Additionally, they recommend marking valuables with a unique identifier for easy identification if stolen.
Anyone who has information on people committing the break-and-enters is asked to call the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.
