RCMP in Oceanside managed to track down three suspects, accused of multiple break and enters in the Horne Lake area over the weekend. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

stolen property

Nanaimo trio accused of multiple break and enters around Horne Lake after late-night chase

Jan 15, 2025 | 11:41 AM

PARKSVILLE — Two men and a woman from Nanaimo are facing multiple charges after allegedly using a rented U-Haul to break into multiple properties.

Oceanside RCMP were made aware of a break-and-enter to a property on Horne Lake, overnight on Thursday, Jan. 9, where items were stolen from a compound.

Sgt. Shane Worth told NanaimoNewsNOW police attended the scene and spoke with neighbouring residents and business owners in the primarily seasonal area.

“The residents in that area were made aware of the break and enter and to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity. On the late evening of Sunday, Jan. 12, about 10 p.m., we had a call from an alert resident who saw a U-Haul van in the area of Horne Lake.”

Worth said it was a “weird vehicle to be in the area that time of night” and two officers attended the scene.

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Upon arrival, the van fled the scene and headed north down the Horne Lake-Cook Creek Forest Service Rd., which eventually connects to Hwy.19 south of Fanny Bay.

Officers didn’t pursue the vehicle, but searched the area and eventually laid down a spike strip along the FSR near the highway intersection.

“The van appeared and went over the spike belt, the tires were deflated. The vehicle continued on for a little bit further. Police went up, found the van abandoned.”

Police Service Dog Niro was called in, and after a three-hour search of the surrounding area, three people were arrested.

Officers were able to connect the trio to not only the Jan. 12 break-and-enter but also the one initially reported on Jan. 9.

Property stolen from the homes, primarily generators, was found dumped on a spur road off the main FSR.

Worth said the trio were interviewed but later released ahead of a court date in late April.

Charges are yet to be forwarded to Crown Counsel, meaning the three cannot be identified publicly.

Officers from Port Alberni and Comox Valley RCMP detachments helped in the effort while Worth credited the whole situation to eagle-eyed residents in the Horne Lake area who noticed something out of the ordinary.

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