Thieves have been targeting the Stephenson Point Rd. neighbourhood recently, taking advantage of unlocked cars. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

crime of opportunity

Rash of thefts from unlocked vehicles sweeping through north Nanaimo neighbourhood

Oct 18, 2023 | 9:07 AM

NANAIMO — Thieves have found an apparent target-rich environment in the city’s north end.

The RCMP say several thefts have been reported from vehicles in the Stephenson Point Rd. area of north Nanaimo, concentrated in the 3200 block and extending up Wave Crest Dr.

Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien said they’ve received multiple calls with things being taken out of vehicles, including several overnight on Monday, Oct. 16.

“We know if there’s three reported, there’s probably a dozen cars that were probably rummaged through but for whatever reason owners were not reporting it because maybe nothing was stolen. We need to hear from those to establish a pattern on where we should be putting our resources.”

It’s not clear what items were taken, however O’Brien said these situations were simply crimes of opportunity.

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The area is home to a “very effective” block watch, according to O’Brien, with around 200 homes taking part. Video of one of the thefts has circulated among the group, who share info among local residents and with police.

O’Brien added thieves will select a certain area and play a numbers game.

“They’re out every night, they’re going through 40 to 50 cars and they’re simply looking for cars that are unlocked. If it’s unlocked they’re going in and they’re in and out in two minutes, they’ll take anything that isn’t nailed down.”

RCMP recommends nightly checks of vehicles being locked and windows done up. He added it’s important to keep valuables and other items out of sight inside your car and remove all temptation for a would-be thief.

Elsewhere around your property, ensure bikes and other valuables are stored away safely and blinds are closed in your home.

O’Brien said it only takes one successful hit of an area to encourage others to return.

“Crime is fluid and they’ll target an area, pick it clean and move to the next one and that’s why it’s essential that we stop them in their tracks. All we need is catching them in one vehicle, then chances are after we speak to them or get forensic evidence we can put them to other crimes in other areas.”

He added starting a block watch in a local community is a great way to help police track these types of incidents and ensure items stay with their owners.

Information on established block watch groups, along with details on how to start one, is available through the City of Nanaimo.

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