Nanaimo RCMP believe a disturbing home invasion early Tuesday morning was a case of a targeted crime that hit the wrong address.
Sgt Gary O'Brien says 3 men used sliding glass doors to enter a home where a couple in their 70's lived, struck the man on the head with a blunt object, tied the couple up with belts and then spent 20 minutes ransacking the house.
O'Brien says the men took the couple's gray 2008 Lexus IS250, bearing B.C. license plate 044 TCV.
" Well we've got a stock photo of the Lexus, we're putting that out. We are following up on video surveillance in various spots. We may have a lead on pictures of the individuals. We are going to hold back on that right now for various reasons. And we are hoping someone will come forward and identify who these people are."
The woman freed herself and ran next door for help. Her husband was taken to hospital and treated for cuts to his head.
A friend of the couple has put up a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.
Anyone who has information to share is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP (250-754-2345).