Sunshine Coast RCMP reported the following for Feb. 8 to 15:
On Feb. 12, a Coast resident reported an attempted fraud after receiving a phone call from a scammer who advised that the resident was owed a refund for a program he’d purchased for his computer years earlier. As the resident recalled he had cancelled some kind of program many years ago, he felt the scammer was legitimate and provided the scammer with his credit card information in order to receive the refund. The scammer then told the resident that as the company server was down, he needed to access the resident’s computer in order to process the refund. The resident allowed the scammer to remotely access his computer. The scammer made it appear that a large sum of money had been deposited into the resident’s account in error, and tried to convince the resident to go buy a number of gift cards to pay back the money. Fortunately, the resident grew suspicious and discontinued communication with the scammer. There are very few, if any, reasons any legitimate institution would need to given remote access to your personal computer. To learn more about common scams and how to recognize the red flags, 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 and Enter
• Overnight on Feb. 10, a suspect gained entry to a business in the 1000 block of Roberts Creek Road, Roberts Creek, after smashing a glass door with a rock. Once inside, the suspect unsuccessfully attempted to pry open a safe before leaving through the rear doors. It is unknown at this time if anything else was stolen. Police reviewed surveillance video and have identified the suspect. The file is still under investigation.
Traffic Violations
• On Feb. 9, police witnessed a vehicle on Highway 101 near Nickerson Road, Sechelt, having mechanical issues. As the vehicle started to move, a tire locked up and smoke was observed as the driver attempted to continue driving. Police initiated a traffic stop and determined the driver had an expired driver’s licence and was a driving prohibition candidate. The driver was issued a notice and order to have the vehicle repaired and inspected, a notice of prohibition from driving for three months, and a violation ticket for no driver’s licence. The vehicle was towed and the matter has been referred to RoadSafetyBC.
• On Feb. 14, police attended a single-vehicle incident in the 2500 block of Highway 101, Roberts Creek, after a nearby resident reported hearing a loud crash. Police located a vehicle in the ditch, with the driver and passengers standing unhurt outside of it. The driver advised that he had swerved to avoid a deer and lost control of his vehicle. Police did not note any signs of impairment but did find the driver’s licence was noted as being on hold and that he was a driving prohibition candidate. The driver was served a notice of prohibition from driving for three months. The damaged vehicle was towed and the matter has been referred to RoadSafetyBC.
Impaired Driving
• On Feb. 10, police noticed a vehicle on Sechelt Inlet Road near Slim Street, Sechelt, with expired insurance. Police initiated a traffic stop and noted the lone driver and occupant exhibiting signs of possible intoxication from alcohol. The driver, who advised he had consumed alcohol recently, was given a roadside alcohol screening test. After two fail results, the driver was issued a 90-day immediate roadside prohibition and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days. The matter has been referred to RoadSafetyBC.
Hit and Run
• On Feb. 11, a witness reported hit and run after a large truck struck a vehicle parked in a business parking lot in the 1100 block of Gibsons Way, Gibsons, knocking off the front bumper. The driver was seen exiting his vehicle, looking at the damage and then getting back into his vehicle and driving away without leaving a note for the damaged vehicle owner. Fortunately, the witness was able to note the suspect vehicle’s licence plate number and driver description. Police will be following up with the registered owner. The file is still under investigation.
Theft
• On Feb. 11, a suspect was seen shoplifting a number of items from a business in the 5600 block of Wharf Avenue. Staff confronted the suspect and were able to recover two of the stolen items but the suspect fled on foot with the other items. Police reviewed surveillance video and were able to identify the suspect. The file is still under investigation.
Found Property
• On Feb. 9, an anonymous person turned in a found iPhone. Owner may claim within 90 days with detailed description. The phone has some distinctive features. Please reference police file 2021-902.
– Const. Karen Whitby, Sunshine Coast RCMP
