Sunshine Coast RCMP reported the following for June 19 to 26:
On June 23, police responded to a mischief report aboard a BC Ferries vessel docking at Langdale Ferry Terminal after a male passenger was allegedly causing a disturbance on board and damaging property. The walk-on passenger was located on Marine Drive, Gibsons, and arrested for mischief and causing a disturbance. The suspect was released on an undertaking for court and the file is still under investigation.
Scam
• On June 24, a Coast resident reported an extortion attempt after they participated in a Facebook video chat with someone with whom they believed they shared many mutual friends. The resident sent the new friend a private video clip after which the friend sent the resident a text message saying unless they paid a large sum of money, the video would be sent to all the resident’s friends and family members. The resident changed their phone number and has reported the likely fake account to Facebook. It is likely the suspect is from out of the country, and this type of scam is widespread and takes many forms. To learn more about how to be cyber-savvy, please visit sites such as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org.
Theft
• On June 21, a suspect stole an unsecured bike stored outside a business in the 500 block of Shaw Road, Gibsons. The stolen bike is described as a men’s black Norco VFR 6 with 24-inch wheels and 27 speeds. The bike had a rear rack and a black bag attached. Anyone with any information about this theft is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2021-4063.
• Between June 19 and 23, a suspect gained access to a garage in the 4800 block of Francis Peninsula Road, Madeira Park, and stole a variety of tools including two Stihl chainsaws. No signs of forced entry were noted and it appears the suspect broke in through a poorly secured window.
• Between June 21 and 23, a suspect stole a rolling cart, a large finished piece of wood, distinctive bottles and bottle stand, table linens, and a wire shelf from a business in the 600 block of School Road, Gibsons. Some of the items were recovered from Winegarden Park in lower Gibsons. Anyone with any information about this theft is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2021-4115.
Impaired Driving
• Late on June 22, police witnessed a vehicle without any illuminated tail lights leaving Roberts Creek Beach near Emery Road, Roberts Creek. Police initiated a traffic stop and noted the driver displaying possible signs of intoxication from alcohol. The driver was given a roadside alcohol screening test; after two warn results, the driver was issued a three-day immediate roadside prohibition and his vehicle was impounded for 72 hours.
• On June 24, a witness reported a possible impaired driver westbound on Highway 101 from Selma Park Road, Sechelt. The driver drove at erratic speeds, used his turn signal for no reason, and had trouble staying it his lane. Police located the suspect vehicle and driver in a parking lot in the 5500 block of Highway 101 and noted the driver exhibiting signs of impairment from drugs. The driver, who advised he’d consumed prescription medication and marijuana earlier in the day, was given a 24-hour driving prohibition. The matter has been referred to RoadSafetyBC.
Erratic driving
• On June 26, a witness reported an erratic driver in the 5600 block of Highway 101, Sechelt. The driver was seen swerving all over the road, hitting the curb, and almost hitting oncoming traffic. Police located the suspect vehicle and driver nearby and observed the driver collide into a bench at slow speed. After numerous attempts to get the driver to stop his vehicle, police finally managed to get the driver to park the vehicle. The driver, who was exhibiting signs of medical distress, was taken to Sechelt Hospital for assessment. Police seized the driver’s licence and have requested a driver’s licence medical review. The file is still under investigation.
– Const. Karen Whitby, Sunshine Coast RCMP
