Nanaimo RCMP say they’re seeing a predictable post-Christmas spike in break-ins.
Police say they’ve noticed an increase in the number of B&Es to businesses and homes across the city every January for the past few years.
Constable Gary O’Brien says 24 break-ins were reported in the first 9 days of January, and around 75% of them have been at homes in the South End of Nanaimo, but the Central and North end have also been hit.
He says the emerging trend seem to have at least something to do with the holiday season, when homes are often filled with gifts and stores are fully stocked.
O’Brien has some simple advice. “Regardless if you are home or not, ensure your doors are locked at all times. Bathroom windows and basement doors are often favored by criminals and in many cases, left unlocked. Reporting suspicious activity as soon as it occurs is imperative. This allows our patrol officers to be on scene within minutes and with any luck, prevent other crimes from being committed,” he says.
