Nanaimo RCMP officers had a beefed up presence at Port Place Shopping Centre for two days in mid-October, targeting shoplifters in downtown Nanaimo. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

theft

Twenty arrested in two-day shoplifting blitz in downtown Nanaimo

Nov 5, 2025 | 9:43 AM

NANAIMO — A two-day blitz targeting retail theft from Port Place Shopping Centre proved fruitful for local Mounties.

Officers, many in plain clothes, had an increased presence at the downtown Nanaimo mall over two days in mid-October, looking for disturbances, disorder or theft from area businesses.

Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien said they were able to arrest 20 individuals over the two days, forwarding 16 charges for theft under $5,000 to Crown Counsel for consideration.

“We’ve seen increasing street disorder, crime, small petty thefts, it’s been going on for some time and causing significant financial losses to the businesses. This is why this program was initiated at the Port Place Shopping Centre, and we hope through increased funding to carry it through other areas of Nanaimo.”

Among the arrests was a 17-year-old youth who allegedly stole a handful of small, low-value items before running from officers and jumping into the Nanaimo Harbour.

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Police were able to rescue and help the youth warm up before charging them with theft, obstruction and breaching court orders.

O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW several others arrested over the two days had prior histories.

“A lot of these people were committing other, secondary crimes. Either showing up in vehicles where there’s no insurance, or they had drugs on them or because of their behaviour, they’re causing a disturbance or they have secondary charges where they’re already before the courts.”

Police noted another situation where a woman was arrested and charged with theft under $5,000 after she allegedly stole almost $900 worth of herbal supplements, with her children in tow.

Another individual allegedly spray-painted a Port Place Shopping Centre sign, directly in front of officers.

The blitz came as a result of funding from the provincial government’s Community Safety and Targeted Enforcement (C-STEP) program.

Announced in May 2025, the $5 million fund is specifically for policing efforts to target public safety issues affecting businesses and communities.

O’Brien noted the policing level through the two-day blitz “is not sustainable to do…every week”, but the detachment is constantly looking for ways to bring other initiatives into Nanaimo.

He added officers do regular patrols of the downtown and Port Place Shopping Centre.

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