Valuables left in vehicles are prime targets for thieves. Nanaimo RCMP report a sharp rise in theft from vehicles this year. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW staff

theft from vehicles

‘This is quite significant:’ Nanaimo Mounties warn of sharp rise in theft from vehicles

Jun 10, 2025 | 1:36 PM

NANAIMO — Local police hope public awareness can help cut down on a growing problem in the Harbour City: valuables stolen from vehicles.

Nanaimo RCMP crime analyst data showed 265 reported theft from vehicle incidents in the Nanaimo area so far this year, compared to 175 cases all last year, representing a 51 per cent increase.

“This is quite significant, we haven’t seen an increase like this for some time,” Nanaimo RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW. “The majority of the vehicles being broken into are unlocked, and valuables are being left inside.”

Cst. O’Brien said hot spots include large shopping centre parking lots throughout Nanaimo, with more isolated areas often selectively chosen.

“A lot of cars are parked on the outside of parking lots – that gives thieves time and access.”

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Nanaimo’s downtown area has elevated reports of theft from vehicles, while parkades also stand out as a risk, O’Brien noted.

Rocks thrown through windows to gain access are also reported periodically.

Unlocked vehicles with expensive valuables in plain view, like phones, tablets, wallets, and purses, represent a treasure trove for thieves, O’Brien said.

“We’re talking anywhere from $500 to $5,000. In one particular case, we had a Louis Vuitton purse stolen, that’s several thousand dollars at a minimum.”

It’s critically important, O’Brien said, for vehicles to be locked and valuables removed, adding a car alarm is another effective deterrent.

“Even if they see a blinking light to think it has an alarm, they’ll probably move on to the next car.”

Stating crime prevention begins at the local neighbourhood level, O’Brien said it’s helpful to communicate with neighbours and for properties to be cleared of visible, easy-to-steal valuables to minimize lurking thieves.

Nanaimo RCMP compiled a heat map displaying incidents this year of theft from vehicles (Nanaimo RCMP)

In addition to major north and central Nanaimo shopping centres, the downtown area has seen consistent theft from vehicle reports. (Nanaimo RCMP)

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