Nanaimo RCMP say close to four kilometres of wire have been stolen this year at a cost to the city of about $30,000.

That includes a recent series of wire thefts in the central part of the city, most recently overnight Tuesday.

That theft saw 75 metres of wire ripped out of junction boxes on light standards along Bowen Road. It knocked out street lights for four to six hours and cost about $4,000 to repair.

The latest thefts have been concentrated in the area next to Wall Street and west along Bowen Road to Pine Street.

“Investigators know from previous experience that only certain individuals are involved in these kinds of thefts,” said Const. Gary O’Brien. “The pool of suspects is relatively small but we do need the public’s help in identifying those responsible.”

Call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 with any information.