A surveillance video screenshot shows an assailant leaving the Nanaimo SAR compound following an early morning break-in (Nanaimo SAR)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

break-in

VIDEO: Nanaimo SAR base broken into, numerous items stolen

Mar 5, 2024 | 1:26 PM

NANAIMO — Numerous valuables were swiped from Nanaimo Search and Rescue during an overnight break-in.

It happened at the valued non-profit agency’s Fourth St. headquarters on Tuesday, March 5 at about 2:30 a.m. where an outdoor storage compound was accessed.

Nanaimo SAR fleet manager Grant Williamson said the items are worth thousands of dollars.

“They were able to gain access to the trailers and steal some pretty valuable tools and equipment that we depend on for the work that we do,” Williamson told NanaimoNewsNOW.

A defibrillator, iPad for mapping and communication, two-way satellite communication device and chainsaw were among the items taken from two cases.

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Williamson said manufacturer serial numbers and their own markings, some of which are engraved, are labelled on all of the valuables.

Two large yellow cases filled with various items from each trailer were stolen.

• ipad
• Spot X 2-way satellite communicator.
• Stihl MS171 18” chainsaw
• Zoll AED SN: X16J872850 and
• Milwaukee 2621-20 Sawzall SN: G09CD232111795
• Milwaukee 2558-20 ratchet SN: J20BH232900987
• Milwaukee 48-11-1850 M18 batter SN: G29NHTBC
• Milwaukee 48-11-2430 MN12 Battery SN: B32ADCFF
• 19 mm combination wrench and 19mm swivel impact socket
• One Polaris key

Williamson said after the break-in the assailant walked down nearby Chesterlea Ave.

He said they’ll have to make adjustments during call-outs for the time being.

“It might turn into an insurance claim if the value ends up exceeding our deductible, but it’s of course going to eat into our budget one way or another.”

Anybody with information is asked to contact Nanaimo RCMP’s non-emergency line at 250-754-2345 and reference file number 2024-6920.

UPDATE: On Wednesday, March 6 Williamson stated the AED (defibrillator), and one case (empty) had been recovered by police.

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