Two weeks of breaking into homes has landed a Nanaimo man a year-long stay in prison.
According to Nanaimo RCMP, Timothy Joseph Dafoe, 31, of Nanaimo, was sentenced to one year in jail at Nanaimo provincial court Tuesday for breaking into homes in the 2000 block of Labieux Road between May 3-12.
Police said forensic evidence, eye-witness reports, surveillance video and police knowledge of known criminals led to Dafoe's arrest on May 14.
In each break-and-enter, only jewelry was taken, which was converted into cash at local pawn shops. Much of the jewelry stolen was recovered during a search of Dafoe's home and returned to its owners.
The majority of the break-ins entry was gained through unlocked doors or windows.
"These crimes were all preventable," said Const. Gary O'Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman, in a press release. "Several of the homes had surveillance cameras and Dafoe could be seen walking up to rear or side doors and knocking. If there was no answer, that was his cue to walk around the property and check for unlocked windows or doors."
O'Brien recommends keeping doors and windows locked, make photo or video record of valuable items in the home, install security cameras if possible or work with neighbours and report suspicious activity to the police.