Sunshine Coast RCMP reported the following for July 19 to 26:
Late on July 26, a complainant in the 5500 block of Derby Road, Sechelt, heard something fall into a neighbour’s pool followed by lots of splashing. Police attended and discovered that a deer had fallen through the pool cover and was swimming around under it, unable to get out. Police, the complainant, and the property owner all worked to remove the pool cover near the pool stairs which allowed the deer to climb out of the water, shake off, and leave the scene without further incident.
Break & Enter
• On July 20 at approximately 2 a.m., a witness reported a possible break and enter in progress at a business in the 200 block of Gower Point Road, Gibsons, after hearing voices and seeing the suspect leaving the premises with a cart. Police located the suspect nearby hauling a cart loaded with baked goods and a small safe. The suspect, who is known to police, was arrested and transported to cells. The business owner confirmed that all of the items found with the suspect belonged to her. The suspect is being held for court and the file is still under investigation.
• Overnight on July 20, a male suspect was caught on security video scaling a fence at a business in the 600 block of Pratt Road, Gibsons, and then absconding with two stolen plants. The suspect is described as a balding Caucasian male in his forties wearing a tank top and sporting a partial sleeve of tattoos on his left forearm. Police are reviewing the video footage and the file is still under investigation.
Fraud
• Police remind the public to be very wary when using online dating apps to meet people. Another Coast resident reported a potential fraud after communicating with someone they met online. After many weeks of communicating, the suspect made the inevitable play of asking the resident for a large sum of money to help him temporarily out of a financial emergency. The resident fortunately did not send the scammer any money and contacted police to confirm their suspicions they were being set up for fraud. The resident was advised to block the scammer’s email and phone number; it is unlikely the suspect lives on the Coast, or even used his real name.
• On July 26, a Coast resident reported a possible fraud after they received an email that appeared to be from Canada Revenue Agency advising that the resident might be eligible for further benefits. The email requested the resident enter in all of their personal information, including birthdate and Social Insurance Number. After providing all of this information, the resident realized the email was likely fraudulent and contacted CRA directly. They were informed this was definitely a scam email and to contact RCMP. The resident was advised to contact a credit monitoring agency.
Theft
• On July 19, just after midnight, a male suspect was caught on security camera stealing a metal utility cart from outside a business in the 500 block of Cruice Lane, Gibsons. Anyone with any information about this theft is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file number 2021-4888.
• Sometime between July 14 and 23, a suspect stole approximately 2,000 litres of fuel off a boat moored in the waters in the 4900 block of Panorama Drive, Garden Bay. Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2021-4999.
Theft from Mailboxes
• Overnight on July 21, suspects damaged and gained access to several compartments in Canada Post community mailboxes located along Garden Bay Road, at Katherine Lake Road, Roosen Road, Oyster Bay Road, Irvines Landing Road, and Hotel Lake Road. It is unknown what has been stolen from the breached mail compartments. Anyone with any information about any of these incidents is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2021-4911.
Shoplifting
• On July 22 at approximately 3:40 p.m., a suspect was caught stealing items from a business in the 5500 block of Wharf Avenue, Sechelt. The business owner attempted to detain the suspect but the suspect resisted and fled the scene on foot. Police are reviewing security camera footage and the file is still under investigation.
Impaired Driving
• On July 24, a witness reported an erratic driver who ended up in the ditch on the south end of Henry Road, Gibsons. The Gibsons Volunteer Fire Department was already on scene to assist with the extrication of the lone driver, who was stuck in the vehicle due to the vehicle being tipped on its passenger side. The driver, who was unhurt, advised that he had consumed alcohol shortly before driving. He was given a roadside alcohol screening test and after two fail results, was issued a 90-day immediate roadside prohibition and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days. The matter has been referred to RoadSafetyBC.
Found Property
• A small amount of cash was found in Sechelt. Owner may claim with detailed description within 90 days. Please reference police file 2021-4923.
• On July 22, some equipment found in an empty field near Chatelech Secondary School in Sechelt was reported. Owner may claim within 90 days with detailed description. Please reference police file 2021-4939.
• On July 23, a full suitcase, sports equipment, and bag found at a Sechelt bus stop were turned in to RCMP. Owner may claim with detailed description within 90 days. Please reference police file 2021-4976.
– Const. Jihan McDougall, Sunshine Coast RCMP
