Nanaimo RCMP are warning the public about a rash of recent thefts and break-and-enters in Harewood and University Heights.
According to police, there have been 10 break-and-enters to homes in the area and several dozen thefts from vehicles, back yards and sheds since Aug. 1 in the vicinity of Bruce Avenue and Fifth Street, but there has also been spillover to nearby neighbourhoods.
Property crime is historically higher in July and August when homeowners are away on vacation, tools and sheds are left unlocked and when when vehicles are parked near trail heads, said Nanaimo RCMP, in a press release.
Police advise people to use the following tips to help keep property secure:
Keep doors and sheds locked, even while at home. Homes with open front doors have been burglarized while homeowners are in their back yards.
Keep tools and equipment, such as lawnmowers, leaf blowers, portable barbecues and bicycles locked up and out of sight. Register bicycles at www.529garage.ca to help recover bikes if they are stolen.
Mark tools and other items with an engraver and take photos of them. Engravers are on loan at Nanaimo RCMP detachment and can also be purchased from retail stores.
Break-ins often happen while homeowners are at work. Report suspicious activity to police immediately to the RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
To see where property crime is happening around Nanaimo, visit the City of Nanaimo crime map at www.nanaimo.ca/crimereporting to see the affected areas.
Anyone who has information about property crimes or people involved, please call the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or contact Crime Stoppers at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com text 274637, keyword Nanaimo or call 1-800-222-8477.