Nanaimo RCMP are sounding the alarm over a sharp rise in thefts across the city, from cars left unlocked overnight to children’s scooters swiped in broad daylight.
Police say thefts from vehicles have surged by 51% so far this year, with 265 incidents reported in 2025 compared to 175 in all of 2024.
On May 16th, a vehicle parked on Tahoe Avenue was entered sometime around 1 a.m. and an air quality testing device worth $3,500 was taken. Security footage captured a person peering into the vehicle, but the image was too blurry to help identify the suspect.
Just one day earlier, a vehicle on Princess Royal Avenue was left unlocked overnight, police said. A Louis Vuitton satchel containing a wallet, ID and sunglasses was stolen. A credit card from the wallet was later used at a nearby convenience store and a fraud investigation is underway.
Another theft occurred May 8th on Front Street when a woman accidentally left the roof cover of her vehicle unsecured. Later that afternoon, CCTV footage showed someone leaning into the vehicle and taking a wallet filled with cash and identification.
That evening, a credit card from the wallet was used illegally at a local store.
“These incidents are highly preventable but continue to happen on a regular basis,” said R/Cst Gary O’Brien. “In many of these cases, the vehicles were simply left unlocked.”
Nanaimo RCMP say in the past 60 days alone, 29 vehicles with unlocked doors were targeted, while another 29 had windows smashed to gain access. Commonly stolen items include tools, wallets, phones, chargers, clothing and sunglasses.
RCMP are reminding drivers to lock their vehicles, remove valuables, and park in visible, well-lit areas. Before heading to bed, take a moment to double check that your car is secure—and maybe even check in on your neighbour’s vehicle too.
While these incidents mostly happen overnight, thefts are also occurring during the school day, leaving even young students feeling the impact.
On June 6th, staff and students at Rock City Elementary were shocked to find that several scooters, a skateboard and helmets had been stolen from a bin outside the school’s main entrance.
The items were last seen around 8:10 a.m., and by 10:30 a.m., they were gone.
Police say one skateboard, four scooters and two helmets were taken. Police patrolled the area but were unable to recover the items.
“Many students use their skateboards and scooters to commute to school. Naturally, they are very upset and are left to wonder why someone would stoop so low and take their prized possessions,” said O’Brien.
The school is now reviewing its long-standing practice of storing student gear in a bin by the front entrance.
Anyone with information on either the thefts from vehicles or the stolen school property is asked to contact Nanaimo RCMP’s non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
