Sunshine Coast RCMP reported the following for July 3 to 10:
Theft
• Between June 17 and July 3, a suspect stole a dinghy from where it was moored in the 600 block of Prowse Road, Gibsons. The dinghy is described as an eight-foot-long white Walker Bay 8 with grey seats. The serial number is available to determine ownership if located. The file is still under investigation.
• Between June 31 and July 2, and then again between July 6 and 9, a suspect or suspects broke into community mailboxes in the 5600 block of Kwatamus Avenue, Sechelt, using some kind of narrow tool to pry open the locked doors. Anyone missing mail is asked to contact Canada Post. Anyone with any information about this break and enter is asked to contact RCMP, reference file 2018-4313 or 2018-4520.
• Between June 30 and July 3, a suspect stole a large piece of high-quality fir from outside the woodworking shop at Chatelech Secondary School. The wood, which measured about 21 inches wide, 2.5 inches thick, and nine feet long, had no knot or flaws, and weighed about 150 pounds. Anyone with information about this theft is asked to contact RCMP, reference file 2018-4314.
Scam
• On July 4, a Coast resident reported falling for the common overpayment scam after responding to a job ad on a popular business website. The job, which appeared to be based in a foreign country, entailed the resident collecting payments on behalf of the company, depositing those payments into his own bank account, and then the company would withdraw their funds directly, leaving a percentage behind for the resident as his commission fee. The “company” withdrew a significant sum of money before the resident realized he’d been scammed. To learn more about how to recognize a scam, please visit sites such as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org.
• On July 6, a Coast resident reported falling for a common scam after agreeing to an unsolicited computer repair ad on his computer. The resident then received a call from someone purporting to be associated to Apple computer repairs, requesting the resident pay the repair fee in iTunes cards. The scammer then went further, telling the resident that $2,000 had been deposited in his bank account in error and that they’d accept repayment of those funds with gift cards. The resident paid back half that amount in gift cards before realizing he’d been scammed. No legitimate business will request payment in gift cards or Bitcoin.
Stolen Vehicle
• On July 4, a suspect stole a locked vehicle parked in the 5800 block of Reef Road, Sechelt. The owner also advised that her purse and keys were left inside. The stolen vehicle was later located in the 700 block of Park Road, Gibsons, with the purse contents strewn inside. The owner, who had called to cancel all her credit cards, reported that one of her cards had been used several times in Gibsons. Anyone with any information about this theft is asked to contact RCMP, reference file 2018-4370.
Collision
• On July 5, police attended a single-vehicle incident on Cowrie Street at Trail Avenue, Sechelt, after the eastbound vehicle veered off the road and struck a light post, shearing it in half. The driver was able to exit the vehicle on her own, and was not impaired nor appeared to be injured. The driver advised that she’d been distracted and hit the accelerator instead of the brake. She was issued a violation ticket for driving without due care.
• On July 7, police attended a two-vehicle incident on Highway 101 at Davis Bay Road after the first vehicle stopped behind a vehicle waiting to make a left turn off the highway into a business. The second vehicle driver advised he’d been watching for pedestrians crossing and when he looked forward again, noticed the vehicle stopped in front of him and failed to brake in time, rear-ending the first vehicle. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported but both vehicles had to be towed due to damage. The driver of the second vehicle was issued a violation ticket for driving without due care. The matter has been referred to ICBC.
Impaired Driving
• On July 7, police attended a single motor vehicle incident with a possible impaired driver on Highway 101 at Mills Road, Sechelt, after a passerby noticed the vehicle in the ditch. The driver, who was exhibiting signs of intoxication, was given and failed a roadside alcohol screening test. The driver also had no valid insurance or driver’s licence. The driver was released on a promise to appear for court on impaired driving charges, and was issued a 24-hour driving prohibition, a violation ticket for having no insurance and no driver’s licence, and an administrative driving prohibition. The vehicle was also impounded. The file is still under investigation.
Found Property
• On July 9, a Coast resident reported a found kayak in the waters off the 5500 block of Gale Avenue North, Sechelt. The owner may claim within 90 days with detailed description, reference file 2018-4521.
– Sunshine Coast RCMP
