Five break-and-enters took place in Downtown Nanaimo in the past few weeks.
That comes from Nanaimo RCMP, saying between Christmas day and January 15, five downtown businesses got broken into through smash or grabs, where the suspects have either broke a window, or pried open a door to get in.
Reserve Constable Gary O’Brien says one break-in is too many.
“These incidents can impact the business financially and create an element of uncertainty and fear for not only for the owners but their employees too,” said O’Brien.
The first incident took place on December 25, where Carnivore Kingdom at 154 Cliff Street got broken into. A cash drawer, computer monitor, camera, and cards used to make dog tags were taken.
Related: Police investigating Carnivore Kingdom break-in – My Coast Now
Five days later on December 30 at 6:30 p.m., officers attended an alarm at the vacant old Caprice Theatre at 45 Nicol Street.
They say officers were told people were heard running through the building.
“Officers, along with a Police Services dog, cleared the building and found no one inside,” said Nanaimo RCMP.
“The owner is replacing the locks and in the process of welding an exterior metal gate in place to prevent further incidents from occurring.”
The third incident saw a break-in on January 10 at the Pauline Haarer elementary school located at 400 Campbell St. When officers arrived, they found one of the classroom windows smashed.
Nothing appeared to have been taken, with police believing the thieves may have been scared by the alarm sounding off before grabbing items.
Police say the fourth and fifth incidents took place on the same day, January 13.
“At approximately 2:25 AM on January 13, 2025 a witness said he could hear prying sounds coming from a street level business located nearby,” said Nanaimo RCMP.
“Police attended to Vancouver Island Refillery, located at 409 Fitzwilliam St. Officers found the front door off its hinges lying in the alleyway next to the business. Police cleared the business and found no one inside. The only item reported missing at the time was the cash drawer. Officers noted that a metal bar was used to smash through a metal gate that was behind a solid outer door. While the door was solid the suspects were able to easily tap out the door pins and remove the door.”
The last incident happened at 6:54 p.m. that day, where the owner of Bees Knees café at 525 Third St reported a man breaking into the business. The suspect left before police showed up.
They say the suspect appeared to have forced open the lock to an exterior door, grabbed the cash drawer and fled. The suspect was dressed in all black clothing, covering his face with his hands.
If you have any information on these incidents, call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.
