Police in Nanaimo caught a man they believe is responsible for a rash of thefts from vehicles.

The arrest happened Wednesday at about 7:30 p.m. after the Nanaimo RCMP property crime unit put several parking lots under surveillance, including one at Nanaimo North Town Centre, where police saw a man go to a vehicle with a pair of scissors and within one second was able to bypass the lock and get into the vehicle.

Police moved in and arrested Chris Gilbert, 44, of Nanaimo.

Gilbert appeared in Nanaimo provincial court Thursday where he was charged with theft under $5,000, driving while prohibited to do so and possession of break and enter instruments. He remains in custody until his next court appearance June 21.

Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman, said police consider Gilbert a prolific offender they believe is responsible for numerous vehicle break-ins from Courtenay to Goldstream.