An Oak Bay resident interrupted someone trying to steal from their vehicle in the 2700-block of Thompson Road early Sunday.
Oak Bay police said the would-be thief dropped everything he had picked up and sped off on a white bicycle when confronted about 12:15 a.m.
He was described as five-foot-six with a medium build and about 16 years old, wearing a light-grey hoodie and jeans.
The vehicle was unlocked, prompting a reminder from police to always lock vehicles and remove any valuables.
Police responded to another call about a theft from an unlocked vehicle in the 2300-block of Cadboro Bay Road on Saturday.
The owner said the vehicle had been rummaged through during the night and the insurance papers were missing.