Nanaimo RCMP say there have been 26 reported break-and-enters in the city since April 10 — up about 50 per cent over what they would expect in that time frame.
Of those crimes, seven have been at businesses, two have been at schools and the rest have involved residences and sheds.
Most have happened after 11 p.m.
The school break-ins were at Nanaimo Christian School, where a number of items were taken from a construction area, and John Barsby Secondary, where two drills and chargers were stolen.
Those responsible for the John Barsby incident also tried to get into a nearby truck and damaged a door in the process.
In one of the business break-ins, thieves were able to get in through a front door then broke through drywall to get into a real-estate office. A laptop was taken.
Police stressed that doors and windows should be locked whenever a home is unoccupied, and that sheds should also be kept locked.
Always report suspicious activity, police said, and contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or nanaimocrimestoppers.com if you wish to be anonymous.
