Tires Slashed Cars and Boat Set On Fire

Police Seek Public's Assistance

It began at 1:30am early Monday morning on 6th Street near Bruce Avenue. Five vehicles had their tires slashed, and a suspicious group of youths were noted near by. Then at 2am, police were called to the 600 block of Winchester Avenue, where a 17 foot boat was found engulfed in flames. The fire was deemed to be arson by the Nanaimo Fire and Rescue who had arrived on scene quickly and extinguished the blaze. The damage to the boat was in the area of $6000.

Then at 2:40am a car was reported on fire outside a residence on Doric Avenue. The owner of a 1983 Pontiac 2000 discovered a fire had been set on the front seat of her vehicle and through her quick actions managed to put the fire out with a garden hose saving her vehicle from extensive damage.

Finally at 3:07am a car was reported on fire in front of a home in the 600 block of Winchester Ave just one block north of 6th Street. The vehicle’s interior had been set ablaze and the Nanaimo Fire Department attended and put out the fire. The vehicle, a 2009 Mazda MX-5 incurred extensive damage.

Five teenagers, who had been seen by residents in the area of 6th Street are currently being investigated for their possible role in the slashed tires on 6th Street. Their connection to the subsequent fires nearby is also being investigated.

“We wish to appeal to the public at this time for any information anyone might have on these incidents overnight. We ask that anyone who observed anything suspicious along 6th Street or in the area of the arsons to contact Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or to call and report to Crime Stoppers” , said Cst Sue Phillips, media spokeswoman for Nanaimo RCMP Detachment.

Reporting a tip to Crime Stoppers can be done by calling 1-800-222-8477 or going on line at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com , the program can pay up to $2000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction