It’s unfortunate more people continue to be scammed, but the good news is the Competition Bureau of Canada offers a free pamphlet printed in numerous languages called, The Little Black Book of Scams.
The fact this is the second edition of the book, just goes to show how creative scammers have become and just how widespread the issue is. You can find a free copy of the pamphlet on the bureau’s website.
Scam
A Sechelt resident reported an online investment fraud, which involved a Facebook page created by artificial intelligence showing the “prime minister" talking about an investment company. Once clicked, the website requested payment.
This victim lost $370 before cancelling their credit card. Other websites with helpful information about how to recognize a scam include the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca, and the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org.
Causing a disturbance
On March 18, a group of teenagers were knocking on the staff doors of businesses in Sechelt and laying milk crates in the middle of the parking lot. The group left prior to police attendance.
Theft
On March 17, a suspect gained entry to an unlocked vehicle parked in the 800 block of O’Shea Road in Gibsons and stole several items, including a wallet containing personal cards. Police want to remind the public to remove any valuables from their vehicle to deter any opportunistic thieves.
On March 18, a suspect was witnessed shoplifting a number of items from a business in the 5500 block of Sunshine Coast Highway in Sechelt. Police reviewed video surveillance that showed the suspect entering and store and taking items without paying for them, but were unable to confirm the identify the individual.
On March 31, a business in the 900 block of Gibsons Way in Gibsons, reported a shoplifting incident after a male was caught on surveillance taking shoes and placing them in a backpack before exiting the store. This file is still under investigation.
Impaired driving
On March 23, police conducted a safety road check at the 5400 block of Sunshine Coast Highway in Sechelt. The RCMP initiated a traffic stop and after the driver advised police, they had consumed alcohol shortly before driving, the driver was given a roadside alcohol screening test.
After a “warn” result, the driver was issued a seven-day immediate roadside prohibition and their vehicle was impounded for seven days. The matter has been referred to RoadSafetyBC.
Check stop
On March 22, police conducted a road block at the 5400 block of Sunshine Coast Highway in Sechelt. Police were there for two hours and approximately 150 vehicles were checked by police with one seven-day immediate roadside prohibition issued.
