A man accused of stealing more than 10 vehicles in Nanaimo may have been responsible for vehicle thefts in Port Alberni as well.
Jesse Savidant, 24, was arrested and placed in custody by Saanich Police on Dec. 31, 2013 after being found driving a stolen car, RCMP Const. Gary O'Brien said.
There were 34 vehicles were stolen in the Nanaimo area in December, and another 10 stolen in the first eight days of 2014.
Savidant is believed to be responsible for at least 10 of those thefts, as well as a number of other criminal offences across central and south Vancouver Island. He could be facing criminal charges in 17 different categories.
Police investigations into Savidant's activities are underway in Port Alberni, Parksville, Nanaimo and Saanich, O'Brien said.
Cars were stolen using a variety of methods: smashed window; punched locks; a door forced open or the car just taken if it was unlocked.
“Investigators believe (Savidant) would allegedly steal a car, use it to commit a criminal offence then drive it to another town,” O'Brien said. “Once at he arrived at his destination he would allegedly steal another vehicle and start the crime cycle over again.”
Savidant remains in custody with his next court appearance set for Jan. 15, 2014.
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