Sunshine Coast RCMP reported the following for July 31 to Aug. 6:
Computer Hacking
• On July 31, a young Coast resident reported possible computer hacking after she responded to a pop-up message on her new computer telling her that the computer had been infected and to call the toll-free number on the screen. The resident spoke with an unknown male and gave her personal contact information to him before allowing the male remote access to her computer in order to “fix” it. After taking control of the laptop, the male turned on the web cam and started to say things to the resident that made her feel very uncomfortable. The resident realized the whole thing was suspicious and turned off and unplugged her computer before calling police. Police advised the resident to have her computer professionally serviced to make sure anything malicious has been removed. To learn more about Internet Safety, see sites such as the RCMP’s information site www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/is-si/index-eng.htm or www.cybertip.ca.
Thefts
• Overnight on July 31, a thief stole an outboard motor from a boat stored in the 800 block of Marine Drive, Gibsons. The Yamaha outboard is a grey, 20-horsepower, four stroke and has a serial number of 1037098. The thief cut through the rope that was used to attach the motor to the boat. Anyone with any information about this theft is asked to contact RCMP, reference 17-4923.
• On Aug. 2, police attended a theft of lawn mower from a business in the 5400 block of Trail Avenue, Sechelt. The male suspect was witnessed cutting off the steel cable and padlock that had been securing the lawn mower and loaded it onto a green Chevy pick-up truck with a white canopy. The witness was able to obtain the licence plate so police attended the registered owner’s residence where police located and seized the stolen lawn mower. Police attempted to speak to the registered owner but there was no answer at the door. The file is still under investigation.
Vehicle Incidents
• On July 31, police attended a two-vehicle incident in the 4700 block of Highway 101, Davis Bay after the first northbound vehicle stopped behind other vehicles that were stopped to allow pedestrians to cross and was rear-ended by a second vehicle. The driver of the first vehicle, which was damaged but still drivable, went to hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the second vehicle, who was also taken to hospital, advised police that she had not seen the other vehicle in time to stop. The second vehicle driver was issued a violation ticket for driving without due care.
• Around 10 p.m. on Aug. 3, police witnessed a southbound vehicle on Highway 101 near Wakefield Road, Sechelt, that drifted well over the centre line and then back over the fog line. When several cars came into view in the oncoming lane, the suspect vehicle drifted left, straddling the double solid yellow line. Police initiated a traffic stop and immediately noted the driver exhibiting signs of intoxication. The driver, who advised he’d consumed alcohol prior to driving, was given and failed a roadside alcohol screening test. The driver was issued a 90-day immediate roadside prohibition and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days.
• On Aug. 2, police attended a four-vehicle incident on Highway 101 near Snodgrass Road, Sechelt, after the first eastbound vehicle, which was earlier witnessed passing vehicles at high speed and driving erratically, failed to slow down and stop behind other vehicles waiting for a vehicle to enter the highway. The first vehicle struck a second vehicle, pushing that into the back of a third vehicle which then struck a fourth vehicle. The first vehicle then backed up and fled the scene. Police located the first vehicle and driver in Gibsons, where the driver was found to be impaired by alcohol. The driver was issued an administrative driving prohibition, a 24-hour driving prohibition, and a promise to appear for court related to impaired operation of a motor vehicle. No life-threatening injuries were sustained by any of the other parties but two vehicles had to be towed.
Found Property
• On Aug. 1, a pair of prescription glasses found in Snickett Park, Sechelt, was turned in. Owner may claim within 90 days with detailed description, reference file 17-4940.
• On Aug. 1, a women’s gold ring that had been found near the 5500 block of Highway 101, Sechelt, was turned in. Owner may claim with detailed description within 90 days. Please reference file 17-4949.
– Sunshine Coast RCMP
