Sunshine Coast RCMP reported the following for Aug. 23 to 30:
On Aug. 26, a Coast resident reported falling for what appears to be a romance-scam after meeting someone online. The scammer told the resident that he needed her help with his business buying gift cards. The scammer deposited funds into the resident’s account and the resident used them to purchase a large number of gift cards, only to be told by her bank that the funds were fraudulent. The resident is unlikely to be able to recover the funds she spent on the gift cards, which had been activated, and the scammer has ceased communications. To learn more about the common red flags to watch for, please visit sites such as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org. Please share this information with your family and friends.
Mischief
• Sometime on Aug. 27, a vandal damaged a political campaign sign with a scythe at the intersection of Payne Road and Highway 101, Gibsons. The sign, of Green Party candidate Mike Simpson, was found with the scythe still lodged in it. Anyone with any information about this mischief is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2021-800046.
• Between Aug. 25 and 27, a suspect drilled a hole in the door lock of a vehicle parked in the 4400 block of Highway 101, Sechelt. It appears the suspect did not gain entry to the vehicle and nothing was reported stolen or damaged.
Theft
• On Aug. 24, at around 7:30 p.m., a witness reported an unknown female had gained access to an unlocked vehicle parked at the intersection of Gibsons Way and North Road, Gibsons. It doesn’t appear the suspect, described as a Caucasian female with a shaved head wearing camouflage pants and carrying a pink backpack, stole anything and no damage was reported.
• On Aug. 24, a theft occurred at a business in the 900 block of Gibsons Way, Gibsons. The incident, which was captured on security camera footage, shows the female suspect taking a pair of Puma shoes from a box and placing them in a white plastic bag before exiting the premises without paying for them. The female is described as approximately 20 years old, with long dyed blond hair, dressed all in black tank top, shorts, and sneakers. The female was accompanied by a male who was also caught on camera. The file is still under investigation.
Impaired Driving
• On Aug. 24, police attended a single-vehicle incident in the 1900 block of Porter Road, Roberts Creek, after a vehicle crashed into a tree. Police located the lone driver who was unhurt and exhibiting signs of possible impairment by alcohol. The driver, who advised he’d consumed alcohol a short time prior to driving, was given a roadside alcohol screening test. After two fail results, the driver was issued a 90-day immediate roadside prohibition and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days. The matter has been referred to RoadSafetyBC.
• On Aug. 25, police attended a single-vehicle incident in the 11400 block of Highway 101, Madeira Park, after a witness reported a southbound vehicle that drove straight through a curve in the road across the highway, launch off a driveway, and come to a rest after driving over large stones and small trees. The driver, who appeared to be having a reaction to a mixture of consumed substances, was taken to Sechelt Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The driver was issued a 24-hour driving prohibition and his vehicle was towed from the scene. The file is still under investigation.
• On Aug. 28, police witnessed an erratic driver slowly leaving a business in the 5800 block of Wharf Avenue, Sechelt, and initiated a traffic stop. The driver, who was exhibiting signs of possible intoxication from alcohol, was given a roadside alcohol screening test. After two fail results, the driver was issued a 90-day immediate roadside prohibition and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days. The matter has been referred to RoadSafetyBC.
Collision
• On Aug. 25, a witness reported an erratic driver after a single-vehicle incident at a business in the 1000 block of Venture Way, Gibsons. The driver struck a barrier several times before driving off prior to police attendance. There is no suspicion of any form of impairment, but a driver’s medical fitness review has been requested.
Property Found
On Aug. 27, a tablet device found in Sechelt was turned in. Owner may claim with detailed description within 90 days. Please reference police file 2021-5855.
