Sunshine Coast RCMP reported the following for Dec. 6 - 13.
Impaired collision
On Dec. 8, police attended a two-vehicle incident on Francis Peninsula Road near Lagoon Road, Madeira Park, after the first southbound vehicle crossed the centre line and struck the second northbound vehicle. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported but both vehicles sustained significant damage and had to be towed from the scene. The driver of the first vehicle, who was exhibiting signs of intoxication from alcohol, was given a roadside alcohol screening test. After two fail results, the driver was issued a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition and her vehicle has been impounded for thirty days. The matter has been referred to RoadSafetyBC.
Impaired driving
On Dec. 8, police witnessed a possible impaired driver southbound on Highway 101 near Bay Road, Sechelt, and initiated a traffic stop. The driver, who advised she’d consumed alcohol shortly before driving, was given a roadside alcohol screening test. After two fail results, the driver was issued a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition and her vehicle was impounded for thirty days. The matter has been referred to RoadSafetyBC.
Theft
Between Nov. 30 and Dec. 2, a suspect gained entry to an unlocked vehicle parked in the 5700 block of Ebbtide Street, Sechelt, and stole a newer model grey Kitchenaid mixer (Classic Series) with a bowl and mixing paddle, and a pair of purple clog-style shoes. Police remind the public to remove any valuables from their vehicles and to secure them to deter opportunistic thieves.
Overnight on Dec. 10, a suspect gained entry to an unlocked vehicle parked in the driveway of a residence in the 500 block of Shaw Road, Gibsons, and stole a set of Taylor Made golf clubs and a Scotty Cameron Red Hot X putter that were in a blue OGI golf bag, a Garmin dash camera, and some loose change. Police remind the public to remove any valuables from your vehicles to prevent any opportunistic thefts.
Overnight on Dec. 7, a suspect stole a bike from outside a business in the 5500 block of Wharf Avenue, Sechelt. The stolen bike is described as a blue cruiser-style with yellow and dark blue polka-dotted handle grips. The words “Classic Cruiser” are written on white on the frame. Anyone with any information about this theft is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2021-8179.
Fraud
On Dec. 6, a Coast resident reported falling for a variation of the grandparent scam after receiving a call from the scammer who convinced the resident that her daughter-in-law was in jail and needed money for bail. The resident complied and sent a large sum of money to a bank account as instructed by the scammer. The resident received another call from someone who advised the resident needed to send another large sum by e-transfer to complete the bail process. Fortunately, at this point, the resident grew suspicious and realized, after contacting her daughter-in-law directly, that she had been scammed. To learn more about this, other common scams and the red flags to watch for, please visit sites such as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca, the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org, or the Competition Bureau at competitionbureau.gc.ca where you may obtain a copy of the very helpful Little Black Book of Scams.
On Dec. 7, a Coast resident reported a fraud after meeting someone on a popular social media site who purported to be an American soldier in Afghanistan in need of financial assistance. The resident agreed to transfer large sums of money to an account as specified by the soldier, with the understanding that he’d reimburse the resident upon his return to the U.S. After receiving the money, the scammer ceased communicating with the resident. Police warn the public to be very leery of strangers requesting money on any platform and to do their due diligence before committing any funds.
On Dec. 12, a Coast resident was attempting to activate her new smart TV when somehow she was connected with someone who turned out to be a fraudulent Amazon Customer Service Representative. The fake Amazon employee asked the resident to confirm her credit card details and then assisted the resident in renewing her account, which required the resident to pay a fee. After this unexpected transaction, the resident grew suspicious and after freezing the credit card, contacted Amazon directly and learned that she had been scammed. Police are attempting to assist the resident in ascertaining how exactly she ended up connected to the fraudster while using her smart TV but it is unlikely the resident will be able to recoup her money. Police remind the public to be wary of any unsolicited contacts that request funds or personal information. If there is any doubt, contact the business or agency directly using information you locate on your own from a reliable source. Do not trust emails, phone numbers or any contact information given to you by the possible fraudster.
On Dec. 13, a Coast resident reported falling victim to an online scam after attempting to order something off TikTok. The resident paid for the order using a prepaid Visa, but was told by the business that the payment didn’t go through. The scammer then asked the resident to try submitting the payment again by e-transfer. The resident did this several more times, as the scammer told the resident each time that, for various reasons, the payments weren’t getting through. The resident finally realized they were being scammed and refused to send more money. The resident attempted to contact the business to complain but found that their sites on various social media sites had been shut down or removed.
Break and enter
Between Dec. 3 and 8, a suspect gained entry to a building in the 4600 block of Whitaker Road, Sechelt, and stole a number of tools including a chainsaw, two hedge trimmers including one with an extension pole, a weed eater and motor oil. The suspect(s) appear to have entered the property from the back of the property and pried open a door to gain entry to the outbuilding. Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2021-8176.
On Dec. 9, District of Sechelt staff reported the storage closet in the public washrooms at Davis Bay Park located in the 4600 block of Highway 101, Sechelt, had been broken into. The suspect pried open the door, causing substantial damage to the door, and stole a set of keys, a brass drain cover and a manhole opener tool. Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2021-8199.
