News release

Online crime reporting credited with quick return of tools to grateful owner

February 16, 2026 - Nanaimo, British Columbia
From: Nanaimo RCMP

Content

A set of stolen Makita tools has been returned to their extremely grateful owner. The tools were found on February 11, 2026, at the scene of a break and enter to a business on Selby St.

Photos of the well used Makita cordless tools were circulated internally to the officers of the Nanaimo detachment; pictures of the tools were posted on social media sites and nearby construction sites were checked for a possible owner.

The next day, February 12, 2026, investigators linked the recovered tools to an online report filed by their owner, Martin Lemelin. Lemelin confirmed the tools were his and advised investigators that they had been taken from the pickup truck.

Lemelin expressed his appreciation, noting he uses the tools daily and added he “got his tools back quicker than it was taking him to make a claim for them.”

This file highlights the continued diligent work of Nanaimo’s frontline officers and in this case, how online reporting is just one more tool used to assist front line officers in solving crime. To following outlines what types of crimes can be reported online Report a crime in British Columbia | Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Posing with his recovered stolen tools is Martin Lemelin and Cst Ian George of the Nanaimo RCMP Bike Unit.

Contacts