Sunshine Coast RCMP reported the following for July 25 to Aug. 1:
Break and Enters
• Overnight on July 25, a thief gained access to a locked trailer parked in the 1600 block of Field Road, Wilson Creek, and stole a large number of tools, including Hilti hammer drills, grinder and Sawzall, Makita grinder, impact drill, circular saw, jig saw, tool bag, two Paslode frame nailers, Dewalt reciprocating saw, and many other tools and accessories. Anyone with any information about this break and enter is asked to contact RCMP, reference file 2017-4686.
• Overnight on July 25, a thief gained access to a locked trailer parked in the 4500 block of Stalashen Drive, Sechelt, and stole a large number of tools including Makita power tools, two chargers and four batteries, a tool belt with assorted pliers and hammers, and a Bosch radio. Anyone with any information about this break and enter is asked to contact RCMP, reference file 2017-4688.
Found Property
• On July 25, a hand truck found on Redrooffs Road in Halfmoon Bay was turned in. Owner may claim within 90 days with detailed description, reference file 17-4702.
• On July 27, a bike that had been left outside a store in the 5600 block of Wharf Avenue, Sechelt, was turned in. Owner may claim within 90 days with detailed description, reference file 17-4778.
Fraud and Scams
• On July 25, a Coast resident reported a fraud after ordering a large piece of machinery online through an overseas company. The resident paid for what he believed was a used excavator that, based on the photo, looked to be in good condition, but instead received a very heavily used older model that was missing multiple parts. The resident had paid a large deposit initially and then the balance via money order when he received notice that the machine had been shipped. The resident has tried contacting the overseas shipping company to rectify the situation, but has not received any response. The file is still under investigation.
• On July 26, another Coast resident reported falling for the popular overpayment scam after responding to an ad in a local newspaper for a caregiver to a dementia patient. The resident communicated with the “employer” for over a month through text and email, and was “hired” as the caregiver. The employer told the resident he wouldn’t be on the Coast for several weeks, but in the meantime, sent the resident a cheque for several thousands of dollars and instructed the resident to keep a small portion as an advance on her salary and to deposit the remainder in a different account. The employer explained that the extra funds were going to a manager who would be paying for food and other expenses for the patient. After doing as she was instructed, the resident later learned that the cheque had bounced and her bank took funds out of her account to cover the loss. The resident tried to contact the employer but found the telephone number disconnected and her emails unanswered. To learn more about this and other common scams, please visit sites such as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org.
Motor Vehicle Incidents
• On July 27, police attended a motor vehicle incident involving a pedestrian on Highway 101 near Largo Road, Roberts Creek, after a driver lost control of his vehicle and struck a pedestrian who had gotten off a bus and was waiting by the side of the road. Witnesses reported that the vehicle was swerving and driving erratically before it struck the pedestrian. The driver stayed on scene and was determined to be impaired by alcohol, which was confirmed after a roadside alcohol screening test. The pedestrian, who sustained serious injuries, was airlifted to Vancouver General Hospital. The driver was arrested for impaired operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm, issued an administrative driving prohibition and a 24-hour driving prohibition. The file is still under investigation.
• On July 29, police attended a single-vehicle incident at a business in the 4300 block of Highway 101, Wilson Creek, after a driver backed into a parked vehicle, moved forward, then reversed quickly into a canopy, and crashed into a table and chairs that had just moments earlier been occupied. Witnesses were able to detain the driver, who attempted to leave the scene. Police spoke with the driver who advised that his foot had become wedged underneath the brake pedal making him unable to stop the vehicle. the driver was issued a violation ticket for failing to produce a driver’s licence and reversing when unsafe. Police will also be requesting a driver’s licence medical review.
Thefts
• Over the last month, thieves have been stealing building material from the Davis Bay Community Hall located at 5123 Davis Bay Road. Approximately 40 boards of 1x10 blue painted cedar siding has gone missing and, more recently, the gutter down spouts have also been stolen. Anyone with any information about these thefts is asked to contact RCMP, reference file 17-4772.
• On July 25, a male suspect was caught on surveillance video at a business in the 900 block of Gibsons Way, Gibsons, stealing two pairs of boots by shoving three boots into a bag and the fourth boot down his pants. Police are attempting to identify the thief and the file is still under investigation.
• On July 30, a thief stole a Giant TCX road bike that had been secured by wire combination lock to a metal railing in the 200 block of Gower Point Road, Gibsons. The bike is covered entirely in black vinyl, with a red stripe on the black seat. Anyone with any information about this theft is asked to contact RCMP, reference file 17-4881.
– Sunshine Coast RCMP
