Sunshine Coast RCMP reported the following
for Feb. 24 to March 4:
On March 2, a Coast resident reported falling for a scam after he received a phone call from someone purporting to be from the resident’s bank. The scammer said he was from the fraud centre and that someone had stolen a large sum from the resident’s account. The scammer convinced the resident that in order to investigate the theft, the bank needed access to the resident’s computer and all his financial information. The resident granted all access and then agreed to purchase a large amount of gift cards to help with the investigation. The resident then provided the scammer with the activation codes before going to his bank directly, where he learned he had been scammed. This type of scam is very common – to learn more about the red flags to watch for, and how to protect yourself from falling victim, please visit sites such as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org.
Break & Enter
• Between Feb. 26 and March 2, a suspect attempted to break into a business in the 800 block of Gibsons Way, Gibsons, by unsuccessfully prying a door before being deterred by the lock. The suspect also appears to have removed a lock box.
Theft
• Overnight on Feb. 24, suspects stole an electric bike as well as two car batteries from a property in the 6000 block of Sechelt Inlet Road, Sechelt.
• On March 7, a theft was reported at a business in the 5500 block of Highway 101, Sechelt, after a male suspect was caught on security video taking an item and leaving the business without paying for it. On March 8, the same business reported another theft by another male suspect, only this time the suspect took two items before leaving the premises immediately. Staff attempted to follow the suspect but were unsuccessful. The incident was caught on camera and police are reviewing the footage. The files are still under investigation.
Property Found
• On March 2, a distinctive cell phone found in the 5200 block of Sunshine Coast Highway was turned in. Owner may claim within 90 days with detailed description. Please reference police file 2021-1335.
Collision
• On March 4, police came upon a single-vehicle incident on Highway 101 near Trout Lake Road, Halfmoon Bay. The lone driver and occupant was uninjured but unable to exit the vehicle on his own. The Halfmoon Bay Volunteer Fire Department attended and extricated the driver from the vehicle and Emergency Health Services treated him for minor injuries. The driver advised he had been travelling north when he fell asleep at the wheel. The vehicle was towed from the scene and the matter has been referred to ICBC.
• On March 6, police attended a three-vehicle incident eastbound on Highway 101 near Snodgrass Road, Sechelt. The first vehicle stopped to make a left-hand turn into a driveway and the second vehicle came to an abrupt stop behind it; the third vehicle driver was unable to stop in time and collided into the rear of the second vehicle, pushing it into the back of the first vehicle. The second vehicle driver was taken to hospital for assessment and due to damage, her vehicle had to be towed from the scene. The matter has been referred to ICBC.
• On March 7, police attended a single-vehicle incident in the 11000 block of Highway 101, Madeira Park. The driver and passenger, who were not impaired, were taken to hospital for assessment. The driver advised she lost control on a turn and in a panic, braked, causing the vehicle to spin 180 degrees before ending up in the ditch on its side. Road conditions may have been a factor. An elderly dog who was along for the ride was unharmed, but the vehicle had to be towed due to damage. The matter has been referred to ICBC.
Impaired Driving
• On March 2, police witnessed a vehicle swerving over the yellow centre and white fog lines northbound on Highway 101 near Leek Road, Roberts Creek. Police initiated a traffic stop and after the driver advised he’d consumed alcohol shortly before driving, the driver was given a roadside alcohol screening test. After a warn result, the driver was issued a three-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition and his vehicle was impounded for 72 hours. The matter has been referred to RoadSafetyBC.
– Const. Jihan McDougall,
Sunshine Coast RCMP
