Sunshine Coast RCMP reported the following for Nov. 11 to 18:
• Mid-morning on Nov. 12, a pair of shoplifters were caught at a business in the 5500 block of Wharf Road in Sechelt.
The suspects were caught on video surveillance footage and identified by police. Later the same day, staff caught one of the suspects at the same business shoplifting again. Staff confronted the suspect and recovered some of the items before the suspect fled the premises. Charges of theft are being recommended for both suspects.
• On Nov. 14, police witnessed a vehicle speeding up the Langdale bypass in the right lane and passing vehicles in the left lane. A radar reading showed the vehicle was travelling 130-km/hr in a posted 80-km zone and on icy road conditions.
The vehicle was pulled over and the driver was issued an excessive speed ticket and his vehicle was impounded for seven days.
• On Nov. 15, witnesses reported a vehicle southbound on Highway 101 in Roberts Creek that did not have a rear licence plate.
Police in a northbound vehicle observed the vehicle, activated its emergency equipment and turned around to pull the vehicle over. The vehicle proceeded at a high rate of speed and quickly broke visual contact with police.
The vehicle was located a short time later and police spoke with the driver who advised she had been upset about an argument she'd had and was not paying attention while driving. The driver was issued a violation ticket for improper display of a plate and speeding against a highway sign.
• On Nov. 15, an off-duty police officer witnessed a male take an item off a shelf at a pharmacy in Sechelt, and conceal it under his jacket before exiting at the business. Police located the suspect nearby and arrested the male for theft under $5,000. The male was released with a promise to appear for court and has been banned from the business.
• On Nov. 15, a theft from auto was reported by a Coast resident travelling from Langdale to Horseshoe Bay on the 12:20 p.m. ferry. The vehicle was locked, but the thief was able to open the side windows to gain entry and stole a black tool box and a white plastic shoe-box sized container holding a variety of tools as well as a DeWalt radio.
• During the afternoon of Nov. 16, a thief gained entry to an unlocked vehicle parked on Madeira Park Road near the IGA mall and stole a wallet. The wallet contained cash and a $300 IGA gift card.
Police remind people to avoid leaving valuables in their vehicles, and to lock their vehicles when they are unattended.
• On Nov. 17, a two-vehicle accident occurred in the 7000 block of Highway 101 in Halfmoon Bay, after a southbound vehicle's rear passenger tire came off the axle and flew down the highway.
A second vehicle was struck by the projectile tire on the driver's side, causing damage to the doors and side panel. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported. The first vehicle appeared to be overloaded, which compressed the rear suspension and compromised the wheel bearings.
The first vehicle was towed and the driver was issued a vehicle inspection notice. The matter has been referred to ICBC.
• On Nov. 15, police witnessed a vehicle southbound on Gibsons Way travelling above the posted speed limit, enter the on-coming lane temporarily, and then tailgate the vehicle ahead of it. The vehicle was pulled over and the driver was issued a violation ticket for drive without consideration.
• Between Nov. 11 and 15, a thief stole a variety of specialized pottery tools from an unsecured building in the 5700 block of Trail Avenue.
The thief stole a Skutt Digital Plyometer, a vice and a torch.
• On Nov. 17, a suspicious male was reported in the 1000 block of Keith Road in Gibsons after the property owner noticed the male was bucking felled trees with a chainsaw. The owner questioned the male who replied he was doing her a favour by cleaning up the property, but left soon after in a vehicle without taking any of the cut wood. The owner was advised to contact police again if the male returns for the wood. Police recommend that anyone purchasing firewood make enquiries about where the wood came from, to confirm it was legally obtained.
