THEFT FROM VEHICLES ON RISE - WARN NANAIMO RCMP

265 THEFTS FROM VEHICLES SO FAR THIS YEAR

The Nanaimo RCMP is advising the public of a large increase in theft from vehicles from 2024. In 2024, 175 thefts were reported from vehicles. To date, in 2025, there have been 265 reported thefts, which equates to a 51% increase from 2024. The following are some examples of the thefts reported:

Nanaimo file # 2025-14609

On May 16, 2025 an unlocked vehicle parked on Tahoe Ave was entered. Thieves made off with an air quality testing device valued at $3500. CCTV camera captured an unknown person around 1 am peering into the vehicle. The video was blurry and the suspect could not be identified.

Nanaimo file # 2025-14508

Sometime overnight on May 15, 2025 a vehicle left unlocked on Princess Royal Ave had items taken from it. Taken was an expensive Louis Vuitton satchel containing a wallet, sunglasses and personal ID. A credit card from the wallet was used later that night at a nearby convenience store. Police have opened a fraud investigation for this incident.

Nanaimo file # 2025-13709

Sometime between 1 PM and 5 PM on May 8, 2025 a vehicle parked along Front St was broken into. The owner told police that after parking the vehicle she realized that she forgotten to secure the vehicle's roof cover. As luck would have it, sometime later, a CCTV camera captured an unknown person leaning into the vehicle, opening the glove box and taking a wallet. The wallet contained ID and a significant amount of cash. That night the owner received noticed from her credit card company that someone had tried using her credit card at a nearby convenience store. All of her cards have since been cancelled and a fraud investigation is ongoing for the illegal use of the credit card.

Many of these thefts are from unlocked vehicles. As we know, these incidents are highly preventable but continue to happen on a regular basis, said R/Cst Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

The following are items most commonly stolen from vehicles: tools/equipment, license plates, wallets/cash, phones/chargers and clothing/sunglasses. In the past sixty days, 29 vehicles that were left unlocked had items stolen from them. Also, the same number had windows smashed to allow for entry. Here are some best practices to reduce your chances of having your vehicle broken into.

• Always lock your doors and remove anything of value.
• Do you have an alarm system? If not, consider purchasing one
• Try not to park your vehicle in isolated locations as it provides time for thieves to break in
• Practice awareness. Before retiring for the evening, ensure your vehicle is locked, the windows are rolled up and all valuables removed and out of sight. Then, take a look around your immediate area. Maybe your neighbor forgot to roll their window up. A phone call or text letting them know of the situation would probably be appreciated.

If you have information on individuals who are active in theft from vehicles, please consider calling the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.



Released by:R/Cst Gary O'Brien
Media Relations Officer
Nanaimo RCMP
303 Prideaux St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 2N3
Office: 250-734-5445
Cell: 250-713-0701

Email: gary.obrien@rcmp-grc.gc.ca