Nanaimo RCMP - Thieves do balancing act in theft of large television

Video description: Suspects driving away in a black BMW with stolen 75-inch television balanced on top of the vehicle
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A recent theft of a 75-inch television seemed to be lacking in planning when the wannabe thieves simply placed it on the roof of their vehicle then drove off with it. The theft, that was captured on video, occurred at approximately 6:45 PM on June 8, 2023, from Walmart, located in the Woodgrove Centre.

When officers responded they were informed that a man and woman were seen making a hasty exit with the large box containing the TV. The suspects ran to their black BMW, placed the card box on the roof of their vehicle, then drove off with it. The officer noted that the box was precariously held in place by the driver’s left hand and the passenger’s right. The vehicle plate and clothing worn by the suspects was noted by the officer.

This attention to detail on the plate and clothing worn by the attending officer, would pay dividends. Just 3 hours later the suspects wearing the same clothing and driving the same BMW were located at a gas station in central Nanaimo. A 48-year-old man and 43-year-old woman, both from Nanaimo, were arrested for Theft under $5000 and taken into police custody. A search of the trunk of the vehicle later found parts from the stolen television, however the television itself was not recovered.

The suspects were later released on an Undertaking, with their first court appearance set for September 6, 2023 in Nanaimo Provincial Court.

Of note, investigators are recommending that the vehicle used in the commission of the offence be forfeited to the Civil Forfeiture Office.