WATCH: A Nanaimo man has been sitting in front of the courthouse this past week in a bid to see a more effective justice system. In the past eight years, he’s been the victim of theft four times. The most recent was March 13. He says the system needs to change. Kendall Hanson reports.
Tony Pulhalski has had enough. This week he’s been parked in front of the Nanaimo courthouse.
“I’m not worried about the money I’m more concerned about feeling violated,” said Pulhalski.
He was the victim of theft earlier this month. It’s the fourth time it’s happened to him.
“Spoiled my friggin’ day,” said Pulhalski. “Work all your life for that. Give me a break.”
Thieves stole an engine from his boat that was stored at a secured facility.
His boat was there because his insurance company suggested the measure after a previous theft.
Pulhalski said none of his stolen property has been returned to him and he blames the justice system.
“It’s not working for me,” said Pulhalski. “It might be working for someone. It’s not working for me and from what I hear it’s not working for a lot of people. They feel that they have to defend themselves.”
Nanaimo RCMP says they empathize with the victims they see.
“We’re frustrated also and we see this every day,” said Const Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP. “The number of calls coming in from the theft of lockers, theft from sheds and they’re targeting items such as lawnmowers and outboard motors.”
Police say crime is not the victims’ fault but people need to work together proactively to help them.
“When we’re called the offence has already happened so we’re already behind the eight ball,” said O’Brien. “What we need is for the neighbours to work together and they have to report suspicious activity.”
Pulhalski is hoping his protest will help see more resources for enforcement and toughening of the justice system.
Kendall Hanson
