Thefts of propane, acetylene, gasoline and diesel are fueling an investigation by Nanaimo RCMP.
Emco Plumbing and Heating Supplies on Dorman Road had six large acetylene tanks stolen from a locked storage container. The theft was discovered shortly before 6 a.m. Wednesday.
“The rear storage lot gate had its lock cut and a metal storage cage inside the lot had been cut and six large bottles of acetylene were taken,” said Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman. “Total value is over $1,000.”
Eleven full 40-lb. propane bottles were taken from an outdoor storage container at Nanaimo Ice Centre on Third Street Thursday. The break in happened sometime between 1 a.m. and 4:45 a.m.
Staff at General George R. Pearkes Senior Citizens Housing Society Care Centre on Buttertubs Drive discovered they had an outdoor shed raided as well. Five containers of gasoline and diesel were taken from the shed sometime between 8 p.m. Wednesday and 8 a.m. Thursday. Police, so far, do not know why the specific fuels were taken, by who, or how they might be used.
Anyone with information is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.nanaimocrime
stoppers.com.