Sunshine Coast RCMP reported the following for Aug. 15 to 22:
Illegal Fires
• On Aug. 15, a passerby noticed a young female starting a small fire on the running track behind Elphinstone Secondary School in the 800 block of Gibsons Way, Gibsons. When confronted, the female walked away and the passerby extinguished the fire before calling police. Police attended after confirming the fire was fully extinguished, made patrols but did not locate the suspect, who is described as a Caucasian female in her 20s, wearing a cowboy hat, light coloured shirt and jeans. No further reports were received.
• On Aug. 18, police assisted the Halfmoon Bay Volunteer Fire Department with a campfire at a property in the 8100 block of Frances Road, Halfmoon Bay. The resident, who was aware of the complete campfire bans, didn’t realize the ban applied to backyards. After the fire was extinguished, police issued the resident a violation ticket for “light, fuel or use fire against restriction,” as per Section 10(3) of the Wildfire Act. The fine is $1,150.
• On Aug. 18, police assisted the Sechelt Fire Prevention Inspector at an illegal campfire complaint in the backyard of a residence in the 5700 block of Nickerson Road, Sechelt. The homeowner, who had a large wood fire burning in a metal fire pit, advised he believed the fire-ban had been lifted and referred to the District of Sechelt website as his source of information. Police reviewed the website and observed it is very clear in stating that any provincial fire-ban supersedes any local bylaws. The homeowner put out the fire immediately and was issued a violation ticket under the Wildfire Act, which carries a fine of $1,150.
Erratic and Impaired Drivers
• On Aug. 15, a witness reported an erratic driver making a left turn off Davis Bay Road onto Highway 101, Sechelt, without checking that traffic was clear in either direction. The driver appeared oblivious to the fact that she cut in front of two vehicles who narrowly managed to avoid colliding into her vehicle. Police determined that the registered owner of the suspect vehicle has an expired licence. The file is still under investigation.
• On Aug. 17, an erratic driver was reported by two separate witnesses after a commercial vehicle was seen making a high-speed corner onto the 4700 block of Highway 101, Sechelt, and then driving in the oncoming lane, almost causing a head-on collision, before pulling over to park. The same vehicle was also seen earlier on Boulevard Street, Sechelt, driving too close to a group of pedestrians before speeding away. Police contacted the business, which is attempting to determine which of its drivers was involved. The file is still under investigation.
• On Aug. 20, a police vehicle was cut off by an erratic driver westbound in the 900 block of Gibsons Way, Gibsons. The vehicle made a quick turn off Sunnycrest Road onto Gibsons Way, right in front of the police car. Police initiated a traffic stop after noting the vehicle weaving in its lane, and noted the driver exhibiting signs of intoxication. The driver, who denied drinking, was given and failed a roadside alcohol screening test. She was issued a 90-day immediate roadside prohibition and her vehicle was impounded for 30 days.
Thefts, Break & Enters
• On Aug. 16, police attended a theft from a business in the 900 block of Gibsons Way, Gibsons, after staff reviewed video surveillance footage from two days prior and noted a female suspect with a child and stroller stealing a pair of shoes. Police are reviewing the video and the file is still under investigation.
• On Aug. 16, police attended a break and enter in progress at a residence in the 700 block of Maplewood Lane, Gibsons, after the homeowner reported hearing a smash and seeing the handle of an outbuilding ripped off. Police located a number of smashed glass jars and the door to a shed open, exposing a garbage pail. Further examination found paw prints on the exterior of the door and it was determined a bear was likely responsible for the break and enter. Police conducted patrols of the area but were unable to locate the furry suspect.
• On Aug. 18, police attended a theft at a business in the 900 block of Gibsons Way, Gibsons, after the male suspect walked out of the store with three pairs of shoes, tossed the shoes into his vehicle, and drove off quickly, almost hitting a pedestrian in the process. Police located the vehicle and the suspect, and arrested him for theft under $5,000 as well as driving with a suspended licence. The stolen shoes were recovered and returned to the business.
Found Property
• On Aug. 20, a speaker was found on the side of McNair Forest Service Road. Owner may claim within 90 days with detailed description. Please reference file 17-5571.
• On Aug. 21, an e-reader that had been found in Mission Point Park, Sechelt, was turned in. Owner may claim with detailed description within 90 days. Please reference file 17-5603.
– Sunshine Coast RCMP
