Sunshine Coast RCMP reported the following for Aug. 6 to 16:
A Coast resident was defrauded after posting an item for sale on Craigslist.
A potential buyer from the United States contacted the seller and an agreement was made. Before the seller received any payment or delivered the item, the buyercontacted the seller to advise he neededfunds sent to him via Western Union in order to cover customs broker fees.
The seller wired the funds, satisfied with the buyer's explanation that the monies would be reimbursed via Paypalonce the entire purchase was complete. The buyer then contacted the seller again advising the customs brokerage fees were higher than expected and he needed more money, at which point the seller realized he was being scammed.
It is unlikely the wired funds will be recovered.
RCMP wish to remind the public again to be very cautious when shopping or selling on-line and use due diligence. Refer to www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca for tips and information about popular scams and how to protect yourself.
On Aug. 6, a motorcycle bag was turned in to the RCMP office in Sechelt. The owner may claim with detailed description of bag and contents by referencing file 11-5497.
Overnight on Aug. 9, a thief stole a vehicle parked in the 5700 block of Cowrie Street. The vehicle was locked, but may have contained a spare set of keys inside. The stolen vehicle is a white Chevy S-10 pickup truck, BC licence plate 9079GX.
Early on Aug. 9, a thief entered an unlocked vehicle parked and stole loose change and a pack of cigarettes. An unlocked garage was also entered and a child's scooter was stolen (later recovered across the street).
A two-vehicle accident occurred on Trail AvenueatBinnacleRd after a westbound motorcycle failed to seean eastbound vehicle making a left turn onto Binnacle. The motorcyclist braked hard, dropped his bike onits side, and slid into the back of the vehicle, sustaining minor injuries. The motorcyclist advised he'd been blinded by the setting sun and didn't see the vehicle until too late. Damage to both vehicles was minimal. RCMP did not issue a violation ticket as the sun glare was a major factor.
Overnight Aug. 9, a thief stole scaffolding, an extension ladder and caster wheels from outside a building in the 800 block of Gibsons Way.
Sometime between Aug. 10 and 11, a thief broke into a business in the 5700 block of Teredo Street and stole cash and cheques.
On Aug. 10, a thief stole a wallet with cash in itfrom an unlocked vehicle parked in Roberts Creek. On Aug 11th, the wallet owner recovered her identification and bank and credit cards aftera Canada Post employee turned in a bundle ofcards that had been droppedin a mailbox.
Early on Aug. 12, RCMP attended a confirmed break and enter to a business in the 6100 block of Ripple Way. The thief gained accessby smashing a glass door with a brick. It appears the thief was targeting alcohol, as several broken bottles of alcohol were found on scene.
Overnight on Aug. 15, a thief on bicycle broke into a business in the 5900 block of Sechelt Inlet Road by prying open a door. Two cell phones, a large First Aid duffel bag and a six-pack of beer were stolen.
-Submitted by SC RCMP
