Police say the theft of an estimated $100,000 worth of jewelry early Saturday in a break-and-enter at a Nanaimo mall was “well-orchestrated.”
Nanaimo RCMP said the incident occurred about 3 a.m. at Peoples Jewellers in Woodgrove Centre.
The suspects broke through an exterior mall entrance and went directly to the store, where they broke through a security gate, police said.
Once inside, they broke into several glass cases and stole the contents.
Police responded within minutes with a police dog, but no suspects were located.
Security footage shows three suspect wearing dark clothing with hoods pulled up to cover their faces, police said, although the video has not yet been released.
Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien said investigators are checking with other police agencies to determine if other similar thefts have occurred in their jurisdictions.
“We are certain this was not a random incident, but one that was well-orchestrated and carried out with a degree of planning and co-ordination.”
Call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 with any information.