Nanaimo RCMP say there has been a spike in break and enters to commercial businesses to start off 2024. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

crimes of opportunity

Commercial break-ins spike in Nanaimo area to start new year

Jan 12, 2024 | 12:42 PM

NANAIMO — Mounties are raising concerns about high numbers of recent commercial break and enters in the Nanaimo area.

According to Nanaimo RCMP, between Jan. 1-8, 25 break-ins have been reported at commercial businesses, compared to eight during the same time last year.

Nanaimo RCMP Res. Cst. Gary O’Brien said while it’s a relatively small sample size, it’s still a significant jump.

“We looked at the numbers and what we’re seeing is the bad guys aren’t targeting residential break and enters, they’re going after businesses with compounds and they’re cutting through the chain link fence and going after power tools and any small items they can gather.”

Incidents include on Jan 1. where suspects gained access to a pair of Nanaimo construction sites in the 400 block of Campbell St., however thieves were interrupted by police before they could make off with any items.

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O’Brien said a lot of the crimes were stopped in progress, thanks to security measures like motion detector alarms and security guards.

“We didn’t get any charges out of it because the bad guys had stashed the material to the side so we couldn’t prove they had actually committed a break and enter, but it was enough to identify who they are, and hopefully attach them to other break and enters down the road.”

The following day, a chain link fence surrounding Coast Distributors in Lantzville was cut, with shovels and brooms taken.

Also on Jan 2. three other break-ins were reported.

A Dover Rd. daycare was broken into with damage done to the front door and two computers stolen from the north Nanaimo business.

A storage unit was also broken into on Shenton Rd., where thieves cut the chain link fence to gain access and stole power tools.

O’Brien said these are mostly crimes of opportunity involving thieves looking to make a quick buck with addiction issues often a driver in these kinds of unsophisticated offences.

“Drugs relate to about 85 per cent of all of our crimes, that’s the nexus. People have to be aware… if you see movement near commercial businesses late at night it’s probably not good. Give us a call, that’s suspicious activity. Companies should be aware their static guards, their motion detector alarms are working.”

On Jan 4., four break-ins were reported, including a pair of underground parking lots on Poplar St. and Stewart Ave, where at least three bikes were stolen from both incidents.

A fenced-in compound on Shenton Rd. was also broken into the same day, with two vehicles stolen which were later recovered.

O’Brien said there are a number of ways businesses can help discourage break-ins from occurring, and ensure your items are returned to you in the event of a theft.

“One of the key things, and that applies to residents as well, is to identify all your materials. Companies often have thousands of dollars lying around and if the storage unit is broken into and whipped out, they can’t work. Take a few minutes to mark them with a unique number or name, take a video of your material as that really assists us. If we find it, then we can get it back to you.”

He said there haven’t been any reported break-ins to residential homes so far this year.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow