Nanaimo RCMP are reporting a rash of residential break and enters have occurred across the city throughout the summer.
Police received reports of 119 residential break ins throughout July and August. Departure Bay, Norwell Drive, lower Hammond Bay Road and scattered areas in Lantzville, Cedar and Cinnabar have been hardest hit, especially during daylight hours and between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
On several occasions homeowners left for just a few minutes to go the store or walk their dog and returned to find their homes broken into.
"We know from crime analysis, the number of reported break ins increases during the summer months," said Const. Gary O'Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman in a press release. "It’s also no secret thieves will enter through the point of least resistance, which are doors and windows."
O'Brien said it can take a thief less than five minutes to break into a home and steal belongings and it is also important to report any thefts or break ins, regardless how small, so investigators can determine where crime is happening and how frequently.
Thieves often work in pairs with one breaking into the house while the other maintains a lookout. Suspicious people and vehicles should also be reported immediately and keep Block Watch captains updated so they can share information with others in the area.
Anyone with information on any of these crimes, please call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or contact Crime Stoppers at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com, text 274637 with keyword 'Nanaimo,' or call 1-800-222-8477.