Sunshine Coast RCMP reported the following for May 26 to June 7:
Catalytic converters were the target of thieves between Sechelt and Langdale during the weekend of June 5 to 7.
• On June 6, between 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., a suspect attempted to steal a catalytic converter from a Honda Odyssey parked in the Sprockids Bike Park in the 1200 block of Mountain Bike Park Road, near Langdale. The suspect fled before completing the theft, leaving behind a jack used to lift the car, and the converter partially cut off. Anyone with any information about this theft is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2020-3593. The file is still under investigation.
• Sometime on June 6 or 7, a suspect cut off and stole a catalytic converter from a Honda Element parked in the 4700 block of Laurel Avenue, Sechelt. Anyone with any information about this theft is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2020-3613.
• Also between June 5 and 7, suspects cut through a fence at a business in the 1900 block of Field Road, Sechelt, and cut catalytic converters off a number of domestic and foreign make vehicles. Police are reviewing security video. Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2020-3643.
Break and Enter
• Between May 30 and June 3, a suspect cut a lock off a gate to gain access to a residence in the 11900 block of Highway 101, Madeira Park, and stole a boat. The suspect would have required a vehicle to remove the stolen boat, which is described as a 1970 vintage 12-foot long aluminium Mirro Craft boat with a Utah metal plate of UT3811 and the name “Kotan Tilikum” on it. Anyone with any information about this theft is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2020-3553.
• Between June 2 and 7, a suspect or suspects cut a fence at a business in the 12800 block of Madeira Park Road, Madeira Park, to gain entry to a work yard and stole a 10-by-3.5-foot stainless steel counter top that had been stored outside a building. Anyone with any information about this theft is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2020-3621.
Theft
• Between May 29 and June 1, suspects stole a large supply of lumber from a residence in the 5400 block of Selma Park Road, Sechelt. The cedar lumber, which was between 10 to 16 feet in length, had a rough side and a smooth side that had been painted with clear coat. As the lumber was intended for use as soffits, there was also a one-eighth-inch groove on one side. Five or six bundles of this material were stolen. Anyone with any information about this theft is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2020-3503.
Collision
• On June 2, police attended a two-vehicle incident in the 3800 block of Highway 101, Sechelt, after the first vehicle attempted to pass the second vehicle and the first vehicle’s rear end swung out, colliding into the first vehicle. Fortunately, no injuries to either of the drivers were reported. The first vehicle driver advised that the front wheel drive vehicle had lost traction when he sped to pass on the wet road. The file is still under investigation.
Bike Theft
• Between May 26 and 27, a suspect stole a bike from outside a residence in the 1100 block of Sunnyside Road, Gibsons. The stolen bike is described as a men’s red and grey Giant brand five-speed mountain bike. Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2020-3509.
Motor Vehicle Violations
• Late on June 6, police noticed a vehicle parked behind a business in the 5500 block of Wharf Avenue, Sechelt, with two sleeping occupants inside. Police spoke with the driver who was unable to produce a valid driver’s licence, and noted several bottles of partially consumed alcohol inside the vehicle. As the vehicle had bald tires and a smashed windshield, the owner was issued a notice and order to have it inspected. The vehicle was towed, and the driver was also issued a violation ticket for failing to produce a driver’s licence and for liquor in a motor vehicle. The matter has been referred to RoadSafetyBC.
Scam
• On June 8, a Coast resident reported falling for a common scam after receiving an email from a colleague that appeared legitimate. The “colleague” requested the resident to purchase some gift cards on her behalf and to text a given unfamiliar cell phone number for further instructions. As this kind of request was in keeping with past work requirements, the resident purchased the gift cards and then scratched the activation bar codes on the back and texted photos of the codes to the provided cell phone number. At that point, the resident grew suspicious and after speaking with other colleagues, learned a number of people had received the same message. It was confirmed that the actual colleague had not sent any such emails, so it is believed the scammer hacked into her account and learned enough to use appropriate language to send out convincing fraudulent emails to her contacts. 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.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org.
– Const. Karen Whitby, Sunshine Coast RCMP
