Nanaimo RCMP is appealing to the public for assistance and dashcam recordings in connection with two recent break-ins at different Tim Hortons locations that authorities suspect may be related.
The initial incident took place close to midnight on Sept. 8 at the Tim Hortons situated at 1980 Island Highway North within Brooks Landing Mall. Reports indicate that a perpetrator managed to gain entry by forcing open the drive-thru window.
Surveillance footage procured by law enforcement depicts a masked individual dressed in dark attire, gloves, and a hooded sweatshirt entering the establishment before exiting through the front entrance. Authorities have confirmed that there was no apparent theft from the premises.
A second break-in was reported at around 1:43 a.m. on Sept. 9 at the Tim Hortons located at 519 Fifth St.
As per the RCMP, the intruder accessed the premises through the drive-thru window. The security cameras captured a robustly built man wearing a grey T-shirt, dark pants, gloves, and a ski mask, carrying a black backpack.
Despite the swift response of officers, including Police Dog Services, the suspect managed to escape before their arrival.
The RCMP has disclosed that the suspect made off with an undisclosed sum of money.
Insp. Donovan Tait stated, “Given the similarities in the tactics employed for breaking in and the individuals caught on camera, it is likely that the same person is behind both incidents.”
Authorities are urging potential witnesses and individuals with dashcam footage from the vicinity of the incidents to come forward. Anyone with pertinent information is urged to reach out to Nanaimo RCMP.
