The Nanaimo RCMP is warning the public about a jump in the number of thefts from vehicles since the start of the year.
So far in 2025, there have been 265 reported thefts from vehicles compared to 175 thefts for the same period in 2024, representing a 51-per cent increase, according to a Nanaimo RCMP press release.
Over the past 60 days, 29 vehicles left unlocked had items stolen from them and the same number of vehicles had windows smashed by thieves to gain entry, the release noted.
RCMP provided examples of the few of the crimes that happened last month. The afternoon of May 8 on Front Street, a motorist neglected to secure her vehicle's roof cover and a suspect was able to reach the glove compartment and steal a wallet with cash and credit cards. On May 15, a Louis Vuitton satchel with wallet, credit card, cash and sunglasses was stolen from an unlocked vehicle on Princess Royal Avenue, and on May 16, a thief stole an air-quality testing device worth thousands from an unlocked vehicle on Tahoe Avenue.
Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesperson, noted that many of the thefts are occurring from unlocked vehicles and are preventable, but continue to happen regularly.
“We wanted the public to be aware of the increase and that there’s only so much the police can do,” he said, adding that people continue to leave valuable inside their vehicles. “We keep harping on this for a reason. Criminals are attracted to it like flies. They will break into your car if they see a cellphone.”
Owners who lock vehicles and don’t leave valuables in them are preventing crimes of opportunity, O'Brien said.
The release noted that the most commonly stolen items from vehicles are tools and equipment, licence plates, wallets and cash, cellphones and chargers, clothing and sunglasses.
RCMP recommend owners always remove anything of value, roll up the vehicle's windows, lock the doors, and avoid parking in isolated locations. Police even suggest glancing to see if neighbours’ cars have their windows rolled up, if not, to consider phoning or texting them.
Anyone with information about thefts from vehicles in Nanaimo is asked to call the RCMP's non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
