Sunshine Coast RCMP reported the following for Jan. 24 to 31:
On Jan. 26, a Coast resident reported a fraud after she received a call purportedly from her credit card company advising there were some suspicious charges on her account and that the credit card company was working with the RCMP in a sting operation in order to catch the culprits. The scammer then told the resident they needed her help and she was to purchase a large amount of gift cards. The resident purchased the cards and gave the scammer the activation codes. The scammer also asked the resident to confirm her credit card account details – which she did. The scammer then went on to make a number of large purchases using the resident’s credit card. The resident’s bank has been advised and is conducting its own investigation. Please note, the RCMP does not involve private citizens in any type of police operations nor would they ever ask for money, gift cards or banking information.
• On Jan. 28, a Coast resident reported a fraud after he received a notification on his computer that it had been compromised and that he was to contact Microsoft at the supplied number. The scammer told the resident to give him remote control of his computer and to deposit his savings into an offshore bank account in Thailand. The resident declined. The resident was then asked to purchase gift cards. At that point, the resident became suspicious and hung up on the scammer. The resident attended the RCMP and his bank has been advised.
• On Jan. 29, a Coast resident reported a fraud after his computer suddenly froze and a pop-up window appeared advising the resident to contact Microsoft. The scammer was given remote control of the computer, told the resident to buy a security program to prevent future computer issues and that they would be requesting a money order the following day. The resident became suspicious, contacted his bank and followed up with Windows support line. The scammer also requested a picture of the resident’s driver’s licence, which was subsequently reported to ICBC.
Counterfeit Money
• On Jan. 28, a business in the 13000 block of Sunshine Coast Hwy, Garden Bay reported receiving a possible counterfeit $50 bill. After a closer inspection, staff determined the bill was suspicious and notified police. The file is still under investigation.
Collision
• On Jan. 30, police attended a single-vehicle incident in the 2800 block of Sunshine Coast Highway, Roberts Creek after a witness reported a vehicle had lost control and ended up in the ditch. Bystanders attended the area and assisted in getting the vehicle back on the road. No serious injuries were reported and the vehicle sustained only minor damage. The Sunshine Coast RCMP want to thank the bystanders who assisted their fellow Coast resident.
Hit & Run
• On Jan. 25, at approximately 2:30 p.m., a hit and run occurred in the parking lot by the Shoppers Drug Mart and Lordco in Sechelt. The resident discovered bright red paint on her damaged vehicle but was left no note and there were no witnesses. Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2021-574. The matter has been referred to ICBC.
• On Jan. 28, at approximately 10 p.m., in the 5300 block of Selma Park Road, Sechelt, a vehicle appears to have taken a corner too close and struck a gazebo knocking it over and breaking a window in the home on the same property. The driver did not remain at the scene. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2021-649.
Impaired Driving
• On Jan. 27, a witness reported a possible impaired driver who was having trouble staying in his lane in the 5700 block of Teredo Street, Sechelt. With assistance from the Conservation Officer Service, the vehicle was located nearby and police spoke with the driver, who was exhibiting signs of possible drug impairment. The driver was given a Standard Field Sobriety Test and failed. The driver advised he was taking prescription medication that was clearly affecting his ability to drive. The driver was issued a 24-hour driving prohibition and was advised to follow up with his doctor. The matter has been referred to RoadSafetyBC.
• Late on Jan. 29, police attended a single-vehicle incident near the 800 block of Gibsons Way, Gibsons, where witnesses reported a vehicle in the ditch. The uninjured driver, who was displaying possible signs of intoxication from alcohol, was given a roadside alcohol screening test. After two failed results, the driver was issued a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition and her vehicle was impounded for 30 days.
Mailbox Theft
• Overnight on Jan. 31, police received a report that community mailboxes in the 1200 block of Bryan Road, Madeira Park had been broken into. Anyone with any information about this incident, or any of the break-ins to mailboxes, is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2021-706.
Found Property
• On Jan. 31, a bike found in Sechelt was turned in to police. Owner may claim within 90 days after providing a detailed description. Please reference police file 2021-714.
– Const. Jihan McDougall, Sunshine Coast RCMP
