Sunshine Coast RCMP reported the following for Aug. 7 to 13:
Frauds and Scams
• On Aug. 8, a Coast resident reported falling for a common scam after receiving a call from an unknown male who identified himself as a computer tech for a company called LGS Softwares. The North American sounding male convinced the resident to give him remote access to her computer as well as her bank account numbers and online banking passwords. Shortly afterwards, the resident realized her mistake and had her bank account frozen before any funds could be moved, mitigating any loss. Police remind the public to be very wary about disclosing personal and financial information to anyone without confirming their legitimacy. To learn more about common scams and how to protect yourself from falling victim to them, please visit sites such as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraud
centre-centreantifraude.ca or the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org.
• On Aug. 10, a Coast resident reported falling for the common iTunes scam after she searched the Internet to find a number for iPhone technical support and clicked on an advertised site instead of the proper Apple site. The resident called the advertised number and spoke with a supposed Apple technician who explained that in order to fix her phone, she would need to pay in advance using iTunes gift cards. The resident purchased hundreds of dollars in gift cards and provided the activation codes as instructed. The resident then discovered her phone was not fixed and she was now out the money. Police remind the public that no legitimate business will ask for payment in gift cards of any kind.
Fire Hazards
• On Aug. 8, police attended a possible illegal fire complaint at a residence in the 5600 block of Curtis Place, Sechelt. Police located three tiki-type torches burning on a deck. While police were not certain if such torches were permitted under the current ban, the resident was cooperative and put out the torches until the matter was clarified. Police later confirmed that open flame torches such as the commonly used tiki-type torches are not permitted due to the risk of them being knocked over.
• On Aug. 10, police assisted the Sechelt Volunteer Fire Department with an illegal campfire burning in the backyard of a residence in the 5700 block of Surf Circle, Sechelt. Police spoke with the homeowner, who was unaware of any fire bans though he was aware the province was under a state of emergency due to the wildfires. The homeowner advised he was using the fire to cook dinner and was being careful. Police instructed the homeowner to douse the log fire and issued him a violation ticket for Light, Fuel, or Use Fire Against Restriction contrary to the Wildfire Act. The fine associated to this offence is $1,150.
• On Aug. 10, a witness reported someone in a moving vehicle discarding a cigarette butt out the window on Highway 101 near Stewart Road, Langdale. The witness provided descriptive details including where the vehicle was last seen stopping and police located the vehicle in Gibsons. Police spoke with the one smoker in the vehicle who denied tossing a butt out the window, but did admit she held the cigarette near the open window and some ash could have fallen off. The smoker, who was from out of province, was told about the BC Wildfire Act and assorted penalties associated to violations. She was also reminded to be extra careful even with cigarette ashes as roadside grass is so dry even ashes could ignite it.
Theft from Vehicle
• Between 10 and 11 a.m. on Aug. 8, a thief gained access to an unsecured vehicle parked in a driveway in the 60 block of Chadwick Road, Gibsons, and stole a blue backpack containing a black men’s wallet and an iPad Mini.
Hit and Run
• On Aug. 9, police attended a hit and run in the 5700 block of Wharf Avenue, Sechelt, after the suspect vehicle was witnessed hitting a parked vehicle and then driving away without stopping or leaving a note. The witness was able to provide a licence plate and vehicle description. The file is still under investigation.
Impaired Driving
• On Aug. 10, police witnessed a vehicle speeding north on Highway 101 near Monkey Tree Lane, Sechelt. Radar showed the vehicle was travelling well over the posted speed limit. Police initiated a traffic stop and noted the driver exhibiting clear signs of impairment. The driver initially denied consuming alcohol but after two fail results during a roadside alcohol screening test, admitted to having consumed alcohol earlier in the evening. The driver was issued a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days.
• On Aug. 10, police observed a vehicle being driven by a driver known to be unlicensed as well as a Vehicle Impound candidate. Police initiated a traffic stop and spoke with the driver, who advised he still did not have a valid licence to drive. The driver, who was exhibiting signs of possible intoxication, also stated he’d been at a drinking establishment and had his last drink just before getting into his car. The driver was given and failed a roadside alcohol screening test and was issued a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition, a violation ticket for No Driver’s Licence, and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days. The driver was also served his outstanding Unlicensed Driver Prohibition and Notice of Impoundment. The matter has been referred to RoadSafetyBC.
– Sunshine Coast RCMP
