Nanaimo is experiencing an increase in break and enters and theft from motor vehicles.
From Dec. 1 to Jan. 8, there were 80 break and enters and 115 thefts from motor vehicles.
There were 64 break and enters and 77 thefts from motor vehicles for Dec. 1, 2010 to Jan. 8, 2011.
The areas most heavily targeted ranged from Country Club Centre through central Nanaimo, downtown, Harewood, Extension, Cinnabar and South Wellington. Most homes were broken into on weekends, early evenings or late at night and entry was made through sliding glass doors, open windows, or by kicking in back doors.
Many vehicles were unlocked, which is frustrating for investigators since most thieves will shy away from targeting vehicles that are locked or have anti-theft devices, said Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman.
Police will host a public meeting Thursday (Jan. 19) 7 p.m. at Cinnabar Elementary School to address the recent rash of break-ins in Cinnabar, Extension and South Wellington and listen to residents’ concerns.
Anyone who sees or hears suspicious activity in their neighbourhood is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com.