Skip to content

Nanaimo man gets six months for break and enter

Suspect pleaded guilty in court after caught by police in sporting goods store.
55457nanaimoRCMPcrest-web
Nanaimo Mounties hope the public can help them reunite a found boat motor with its rightful owner.

A 37-year-old man has been jailed for six months following a break and enter at a Nanaimo sporting goods store.

Const. Clay Wurzinger and Boomer, his police services dog, were first on scene when Nanaimo RCMP responded to an alarm at Alberni Outpost, at 3290 Island Highway North, Feb. 19 at 3:45 a.m.

When Wurzinger and Boomer arrived they saw a man inside the business allegedly smashing open and knocking over display cases. Wurzinger yelled out, but the suspect couldn’t hear him over the alarm so Wurzinger and Boomer approached undetected.

Video surveillance later seized from the business showed the suspect instantly throwing his hands into the air and complying with Wurzinger’s commands. Other officers arrested the suspect without incident and transported him to Nanaimo RCMP detachment.

Kevin Lackie of Nanaimo pleaded guilty to the break-in in Nanaimo Provincial Court on Feb. 20.

“Police dogs and their handlers are sometimes the first to arrive on active crime scenes,” Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman, said in a press release. “In many situations when thieves come face to face with a police services dog, they will stop in their tracks and wisely submit to being arrested.”

In recent weeks Nanaimo RCMP have seen a rise in reported commercial break and enters. Police recommend businesses have working audible, monitored alarms and video surveillance systems and not keep cash on premises. Employees should also double check that all doors and windows are locked upon closing.