Nanaimo RCMP searching for theft and fraud suspect following $30K crime spree

Mounties are searching for a man suspected of theft and fraud from hardware stores on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland over the past year.

On Friday, the Nanaimo RCMP said they were searching for a man who has stolen “upwards of $30,000 in merchandise” from Lowes Home Improvement stores in Nanaimo, Saanich and New Westminster.

Based on discussions with security guards in several jurisdictions, police believe that the suspect buys several items, while stealing several others at the same time.

He’ll then return to the business he stole from a short time later and refund the items he legitimately purchased, according to Nanaimo RCMP.

“Based on video obtained from security cameras, investigators have been able to narrow the suspect pool down. However, they are hoping the public can help to positively identify the suspect,” said Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

All of the thefts and fraud incidents have occurred since early 2023. Mounties say the photo of the man shared on Friday was taken after a theft incident in Nanaimo on June 15.

The suspect is described as standing 5’10” tall with a heavy build. He has a beard and dark, receding hair.

Anyone with information on the man’s identity is asked to call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.

The suspect is shown. (Nanaimo RCMP)

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