The Nanaimo RCMP is investigating two commercial break and enters that occurred on the weekend.
According to police, the break-ins were reported within minutes of each other on Saturday at 4:51 a.m. at the Coco Cafe and then at 4:53 a.m. at the 49th Bargain Bin and Thrift Shop.
Both businesses are located in the Cedar Village Mall, 1840 Cedar Rd.
Police said officers arrived at the Coco Cafe about 15 minutes after the alarm activated and found the back door smashed in and an interior door forced open. A small amount of petty cash was missing.
The 49th Bargain Bin and Thrift Shop’s front glass door was smashed open and cash registers forced open. No cash was on the premises and nothing else appeared to be missing.
“Given the two businesses are in close proximity to each other, it’s safe to say the two occurrences are most likely related,” Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman, said in a press release.
Investigators are reviewing video surveillance footage obtained from one of the businesses.
Anyone saw any vehicles, including bicycles or persons in the immediate area between 4:30 and 5 a.m. Saturday, please call the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com, text 274637 with keyword Nanaimo, or call 1-800-222-8477.