Witnesses sought after overnight break-ins at two Nanaimo Tim Hortons locations

Nanaimo RCMP are seeking witnesses and dashcam footage after two overnight break-ins at separate Tim Hortons locations that investigators believe may be linked.

The first incident occurred at about midnight on Sept. 8 at the Tim Hortons at 1980 Island Highway North in Brooks Landing Mall. Investigators say a suspect pried open the drive-thru window to enter. Police CCTV footage shows a masked man in dark clothing, gloves and a hooded sweatshirt entering the restaurant and leaving through the front door. RCMP say nothing appears to have been stolen.

A second break-in was reported at about 1:43 a.m. on Sept. 9 at the Tim Hortons at 519 Fifth St. RCMP say the suspect entered through the drive-thru window. Surveillance footage shows a heavier-set man wearing a grey T-shirt, dark pants, gloves and a ski mask, and carrying a black backpack.

Officers, including Police Dog Services, attended the second location, but the suspect had already fled. Police say an undisclosed amount of cash was stolen.

Insp. Donovan Tait said the similarities in the entry methods and the suspects captured on video lead investigators to believe the same person may be responsible for both break-ins. Anyone with information or dashcam footage from either area at the relevant times is asked to contact Nanaimo RCMP.