Sunshine Coast RCMP reported the following for the week of Jan. 17 to 24.
Theft of mail
Overnight on Jan. 18, a suspect gained entry to Canada Post community mailboxes located on Leaning Tree Road at Belair Road, Halfmoon Bay, and stole an unknown number of parcels. Anyone with any information about this theft is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file number 2022-391.
Shoplifting
On Jan. 18, a business in the 5700 block of Cowrie Street, Sechelt, reported a shoplifting incident after staff witnessed a suspicious male leaving the premises with something bulky hidden under his clothing. Staff attempted to stop the suspect but the male refused to cooperate and fled on foot. An inventory check confirmed that an item was missing from the shelves. Staff had a photo of the suspect available and police are attempting to identify him.
Extortion
A Coast resident reported falling victim to extortion after meeting someone on a popular social media app. The suspect suggested the pair exchange intimate photos, which the resident agreed to. Once the suspect received the photos, the suspect told the resident they’d have to pay money or the photos would be sent to all of the resident’s friends and family. The resident transferred a large sum of money to the suspect, and also purchased a gift card and provided the activation code. It is unlikely the resident will be able to recover any funds, and they were advised to discontinue any further communication with the suspect. To learn more about how to safely navigate the online world, please visit sites such as cybersavvy.com. To learn more about the red flags to watch for in the most common types of scams, please visit sites such as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca, the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org, or the Competition Bureau at competitionbureau.gc.ca where you may obtain a copy of the very helpful Little Black Book of Scams.
Fraud
On Jan. 24, a Coast resident reported a fraud after he went onto a popular chat and messaging app to ask a question about accessing his crypto-currency wallets. The resident was inundated with responses and received a phone call from someone who sent the resident a link that would supposedly help him with this problem. When the link was opened, the resident unknowingly gave the suspect access to his security questions and answers, which led to his crypto-wallet being emptied of a large sum of crypto-currencies. It is unlikely the funds will be recoverable.
Driving prohibition
On Jan. 20, police witnessed a driver, known to have a pending unlicenced driver prohibition on their record, heading southbound on Tita Way, Sechelt. Police initiated a traffic stop and served the driver their driving prohibition; their vehicle was impounded for seven days and they were also issued violation tickets for no driver’s licence and no insurance. The matter has been referred to RoadSafetyBC.
On Jan. 20, a repainted black bike that had been found at Davis Bay Beach, Sechelt, was turned in. Some of the original colour of red is showing under some scratches in the black paint, and the model name is partially visible as well. Owner may claim with detailed description within 90 days. Please reference police file 2022-433.
Impaired driving
On Jan. 20, a witness reported a possible impaired driver on Sunshine Coast Highway near Bel-Air Road, Halfmoon Bay, who was driving at erratic speeds and veering into the on-coming lane. Police located the suspect driver and initiated a traffic stop. The driver, who was exhibiting signs of possible intoxication from alcohol, advised they’d consumed alcohol earlier in the day. The driver was given a roadside alcohol screening test and based on the results, the driver was issued a 24-hour Driving Prohibition and Vehicle Impoundment. The matter has been referred to RoadSafetyBC.
Theft
Overnight on Jan. 21, a suspect gained entry to an unlocked vehicle parked on Trail Avenue near Neptune Street, Sechelt, and stole a large red Milwaukee tool box containing approximately one hundred Snap-On sockets. Anyone with any information about this theft is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file number 22-445.
On Jan. 22, a Coast resident reported the theft of her purse from a business in the 5600 block of Sunshine Coast Highway, Sechelt, after inadvertently leaving it behind for a brief period. Police reviewed security camera footage which captured a possible suspect. Police located the suspect and were able to recover most of the resident’s belongings.
Between Jan. 23 and 24, a suspect gained entry to a vehicle parked in the 5500 block of Inlet Avenue, Sechelt, and stole a large amount of scrap metal including a tub and pail of copper and a pail of marine brass.
Theft of lumber
On Jan. 23, police came upon a suspicious vehicle full of freshly cut logs on the Trout Lake Forest Service Road in Halfmoon Bay. Police located two known males actively removing more fresh cut wood from the side of the road, and determined that neither had the proper permits to do so. The males were instructed to unload all of the illegally cut firewood, and one male was issued a violation ticket for Illegally removing Crown timber. The other male was given a verbal warning.
