Oceanside RCMP arrested a 40-year-old man well known to them after a break and enter on Dec. 11 in Nanoose Bay, however investigations continue into six other home break ins over the last six weeks. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)
repeat offender

Oceanside RCMP arrest man after Nanoose break and enter, investigating six others

Dec 18, 2024 | 2:09 PM

PARKSVILLE — A 40-year-old man of no fixed address remains in police custody, charged with one break and enter and being investigated for any links to several others.

Timothy Joseph Dafoe was allegedly spotted by neighbours inside a home in the 1600 block of Beaver Creek Wharf Rd., off NW Bay Rd. in Nanoose Bay on Dec. 11.

Oceanside RCMP Sgt. Shane Worth told NanaimoNewsNOW officers attended quickly and found Dafoe nearby.

“Upon search, he was found to be in possession of jewellery which had just been taken from within the residence.”

He was arrested, appeared in court the next day and remains in custody ahead of another court appearance on Thursday, Dec. 19.

Dafoe has an extensive criminal record dating back to the early 2000s with multiple charges of break and enter, possession of stolen property and theft charges primarily in the Nanaimo, Lantzville and Parksville areas.

He was also charged with assault with a weapon in 2013 for an incident in Parksville.

Worth said Dafoe’s arrest came as Oceanside RCMP officers had been investigating multiple break-and-enters in Parksville and Qualicum Beach.

At least six were reported to police since late October.

“It’s a very rare occurrence in our area to have residential break and enters, at the time investigators were told by witnesses and the people reporting the crimes that a male had been seen in the neighbourhood purporting to be either gutter or window cleaner and had actually been interrupted…at least one of the occasions.”

Worth said descriptions provided by witnesses in those incidents said it was a white male.

“We can’t say that Mr. Dafoe is responsible for the other break and enters that occurred in the late fall, however our investigators are continuing to investigate those crimes and determine if there are any links to the Dec. 11 arrest.”

Police don’t believe Dafoe used a contractor-style ruse to gain access to the home he was arrested in on Dec. 11.

He said vigilant neighbours and an older demographic in the Oceanside area, which results in more people home during the day, are often helpful in these circumstances.

“We do have very conscientious residents here who are aware of their neighbours, they know what is going on and they are very good at reporting incidents to police that don’t look right in their neighbourhood.”

He said anyone approached at their door by a stranger with an offer of supposed home improvement, garden or other services should do their due diligence before making any commitments or granting access to their property.

Worth added using reputable businesses and “have your smarts about you” are great ways to avoid getting tricked.

“If it doesn’t feel right or the person is acting strange or you’re not sure, please give us a call and we can come, check it out and make sure everything is legit.”

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