Nanaimo Mounties hope the public can help solve an ongoing investigation into thefts of electric and gas scooters.
There have been 13 scooters stolen in Nanaimo since May 10, mostly from the downtown and University Heights areas.
According to police, many of the thefts have occurred during daytime hours while some were taken from locked sheds. The May 10 theft occurred on McDonalds Road near the Nanaimo River while its owner was gold panning. Drag marks on the ground suggested the scooter was dragged a short distance then lifted up into a vehicle.
Other scooter thefts occurred June 20 and Oct. 18 on Haliburton Street; June 9, Oct. 12 and Oct. 29 on Prideaux and Hecate streets; Sept 16, Oct. 11 and Nov. 2 on Wakesiah Avenue and University Crescent; Oct. 19 and Nov. 1 at Estevan Road and Terminal Avenue and June 10 at Dufferin Crescent.
"It is strongly suggested scooters be kept locked at all times and if possible have it secured to a non-moveable object," Const. Gary O'Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman said in a press release, "Also ensure you can provide investigators with the serial number and a recent picture in the event it is stolen. To date, several persons of interest have been identified in the thefts but no arrests have been made."
Anyone with information about any of these thefts, please call the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-22-8477, text 274637, keyword Nanaimo, or submit your tips online at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com.