The Nanaimo branch of the B.C. SPCA lost tools and supplies, including dog food and pet carriers, when the property was broken into by thieves early Thursday. (Photos submitted)

Thieves in Nanaimo proved their pedigree when they broke into Nanaimo SPCA storage sheds this week.

Leon Davis, shelter manager, said a man and a woman cut through the Nanaimo branch’s fence and broke into two outbuildings at about 2:30 a.m. Thursday.

“A male and a female cut the fence open, so we’re trying to find someone to help us repair the fence,” Davis said. “They came and they got access to two of our storage buildings.”

The list of items taken included a leaf blower and weed trimmer, plus a number of pet carriers, fuel canisters, multiple fish tanks, multiple bags of dog food, Coleman camping chairs and other supplies and holiday decorations.

“Multiple fish tanks, pet carriers, Halloween decorations for some reason, trimmers and other garden tools … there might be more stuff gone,” Davis said.

He said the main building on the property is highly secure, was not broken into and none of the animals sheltered there were at risk.

Security video footage shows a woman grabbing a four-wheeled cart near a parked SPCA van to, allegedly, help wheel away the items that were taken.

“The video is basically just of the girl … you can quite clearly see she has, like, pretty loud camouflage yoga pants and either Ugg boots or slippers,” he said.

Davis said donations have been coming in to help the shelter replace what was taken, including from VRP Tree Service and Walker’s Saw Shop, which delivered a new weed trimmer and leaf blower to Davis on Friday.

Davis said the branch has hired a company to help increase security of the storage sheds on the property to help prevent further break-ins.

Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman, confirmed that police are investigating the incident.



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