Sunshine Coast RCMP is asking for the public’s help in identifying a white van involved in a suspicious incident that occurred outside the Gibsons Community Centre on Monday, July 21.
Around 9 a.m. on Monday, an 11-year-old boy riding his bike outside the Gibsons and Area Community Centre was approached by a man driving a white work van, who stopped to talk to the boy.
“The man told the boy he had a bike in his van just like the one the boy was riding, and asked the boy if he wanted to come see the bike, in case the boy might have a friend that would want it,” said Const. Harrison Mohr. “The boy ignored the man and entered the Community Centre, at which time the man drove away. At no time did the man get out of his van.
“The man also told the boy he tried to turn the bike in to police, but police wouldn’t take it. Police have no record of anyone trying to turn a bike in and being turned away.”
Mohr said although this could be a case of someone trying to give a found bike to someone who could use it, police are not taking any chances, and want to speak with the driver of the van.
“We are asking that the driver of this van contact police and speak with us so that we can confirm this was nothing more than a case of someone not thinking about how their gesture would be perceived,” added Mohr.
Police are also praising the actions of the boy involved.
“This young man did the right thing — he ignored the driver and went to somewhere where there were lots of people, then told an adult what happened,” said Mohr.
The van is believed to be a white, mid-2000s Chevrolet Express or GMC Savana cargo van, with a ladder on the roof, and windows on the back doors. The driver was described as a white male in his 40s or 50s, with dark, longer hair, and a full beard.
The driver of the van, or anyone with information about this incident should contact Mohr, at 604-885-2266.
