Tens of thousands of dollars worth of tools were taken when thieves burglarized several homes in Harewood.
The thefts happened overnight on Tuesday when six homes were hit in a new subdivision near Ninth Street.
"They were targeting tools," said Const. Gary O'Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman. "They took thousands of dollars in tools. One guy has been hit twice. One time he lost $24,000 in tools."
The homes targeted were on Cambie Road, Buffer Road and Ninth Street.
Police estimate three individuals were involved in the thefts, possibly driving a delivery truck to make off with the large number of stolen items.
Homes were entered though screen windows and forcing open glass door. Some of the homes hit are still under construction.
At least one witness reported hearing two or three people and a truck racing away from the scene after the suspects realized she was at home when they tried to break in, O'Brien said.