The Nanaimo RCMP is investigating two commercial break and enters that occurred within minutes of each other on Saturday morning.
The incidents occurred on Feb. 11 at 4:51 a.m. and 4:53 a.m. at the Coco Cafe and the 49th Bargain Bin Thrift Store, respectively.
Both businesses are located in the Cedar Village Mall, 1840 Cedar Road.
RCMP officers arrived on scene at the Coco Cafe approximately 15 minutes after the alarm was activated and found “the back door smashed in and an interior door forced open,” according to a media release.
The only item reported missing was a small amount of petty cash.
Nearby, the break-in at the 49th Bargain Bin Thrift Store involved the perpetrators smashing open the front glass door before forcing open the cash registers.
No cash was on the premises and nothing else appeared to be missing, according to investigators.
“Given the two businesses are in close proximity to each other, it safe to say the two occurrences are most likely related,” said Const. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
Investigators have been able to obtain video surveillance from one of the businesses and are currently reviewing it.
If anyone saw any vehicles, including bicycles or persons in the area are asked to call the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or Crime Stoppers at text 274637, text Nanaimo or call 1-800-222-8477.