Nanaimo RCMP seek witnesses from two separate Tim Hortons break and enters

Nanaimo RCMP are investigating two separate break and enters at local Tim Hortons locations. 

According to police, just after midnight on Tuesday, September 8th, a suspect entered the Tim Hortons located at 1980 Island Highway North by prying open the drive-thru window. 

CCTV footage obtained by investigators showed a man in a mask wearing dark clothing, gloves and a hooded sweatshirt entering the business, and leaving through the front door. 

Police say nothing appeared to have been stolen.

Following the first break-and-enter incident, within 24 hours, a suspect forced entry through the drive thru window of the Tim Hortons at 519 Fifth Street at around 1:43 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9th.

In this incident, CCTV captured a heavier-set male wearing a grey T-shirt, dark pants, gloves, a ski mask and carrying a black backpack. 

Police attended the scene, but the suspect was already gone. Investigators say the suspect managed to steal an undisclosed amount of cash.

“Based on the similarities in the methods used to gain entry and the suspect seen on in store CCTV, investigators believe the same individual may be responsible for both break and enters,” said Inspector Donovan Tait, operations officer for Nanaimo RCMP.

Police are asking witnesses and those with dash camera footage to come forward. 

Anyone who has information should contact Nanaimo RCMP at (250) 7454-2345.