Sunshine Coast RCMP reported the following for Feb. 16 to 23:
Mischief
•Two incidents of graffiti were reported at businesses in the 700 and 900 block Gibsons Way, Gibsons. The first instance was of a worm or caterpillar-like image and the second was of the word SPECT in graphic letters. If you see graffiti in progress, please call 911.
•Around 1:30 a.m. on Feb. 20, police attended an arson report in the 300 block of Glassford Road, Gibsons, after a newspaper box was set on fire. Residents reported hearing one or two loud bangs just before seeing the fire. The Gibsons Volunteer Fire Department attended and put out the fire, which completely destroyed the newspaper box. A number of similar incidents occurred in the area last year, but no charges were laid. Residents in Lower Gibsons are asked to immediately report any suspicious activity to the RCMP. Anyone with further information about these incidents can also call Crimestoppers, at 1-800-222-TIPS.
•On Feb. 20, police attended a mischief complaint in the 5500 block of Highway 101 after a vehicle owner returned to his car to find someone had smashed the driver’s side window. It is unknown what was used to shatter the glass. The vehicle was not entered, and no other damage was reported.
•Between Feb. 19 and 21, playground equipment was defaced on a property on Northwood Road in Halfmoon Bay. Swastikas, racial slurs, and other offensive language were written in chalk. A wooden gate was also damaged over the same period. “This mischief is absolutely unacceptable, and the person or persons involved could face serious criminal charges,” said Const. Harrison Mohr with Sunshine Coast RCMP. “If you have information about who was involved, or you know of any other similar occurrences in the area, please call us immediately.”
Scam
•On Feb. 16, a Coast resident reported falling victim to a common rental scam after trying to rent an apartment in the Lower Mainland that had been advertised on Craigslist. The resident corresponded with the “landlord” who was allegedly in the U.K., received copies of “rental agreements” and sent one month’s rent in advance via Moneygram as instructed. The resident then received another email requesting more funds be sent to secure the rental. The resident grew suspicious, went to the address in the Lower Mainland and spoke with the actual building manager who advised there were no units for rent. To learn more about this and other common scams, please visit sites such as www.antifraud
centre-centreantifraude.ca or the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org.
Collision / impaired driver
•On Feb. 19, police attended a single-vehicle collision in the 12600 block of Highway 101, Madeira Park, after a witness reported a vehicle had driven into a ditch and rolled over onto its roof. The occupants were able to exit the vehicle on their own and no injuries were reported. The learner driver advised that he’d lost control on a sharp corner, over-corrected, and slid into the ditch. The heavily damaged vehicle was towed from the scene and the matter has been referred to ICBC.
•On Feb. 21, a possible impaired driver was reported heading up the Langdale Bypass. The witness advised the vehicle was crossing over the center and fog lines and braking abruptly for no apparent reason. Police located the suspect vehicle, and also observed it driving erratically. Police pulled the vehicle over and spoke with the driver who was exhibiting signs of intoxication. The driver was arrested for impaired driving and taken to the detachment where he was given and failed two alcohol-screening tests. The driver was given an administrative driving prohibition and released on a promise to appear for court. The driver’s vehicle was impounded for seven days.
Thefts
•Overnight on Feb. 20, a thief gained access to an unsecured vehicle parked in the 5800 block of Sandy Hook Road and stole a chainsaw. The chainsaw is a STIHL MS-290 model with a 20-inch bar, and had biking decals on it. Anyone with any information about this theft is asked to contact RCMP, reference file 16-964.
•Between Feb. 4 and 10, a thief gained entry to an unsecured vehicle parked in the 8100 block of Westwood Road, Halfmoon Bay, and stole a variety of tools including a Mastercraft ratchet set and a Mastercraft 12-volt air compressor.
