Sunshine Coast RCMP reported the following for Nov. 20 to 27:
Scams
• On Nov. 26, a Coast resident reported a scam email that appeared to come from her own email address that displayed the resident’s password and threatened to release her personal information as well as screen shots of her watching pornography if she did not deliver a large amount of funds in Bitcoin to a provided Bitcoin wallet number within 48 hours. The resident did an open source query on the Bitcoin wallet number and saw it was flagged for over 60 fraud alerts. To learn more about this type of mass-distributed scam and how to protect yourself from falling victim, please visit sites such as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org. Please share this information with your friends and family.
• On Nov. 22, a Coast resident reported falling victim to a common scam after responding to a pop-up ad on his computer stating he had won a prize. The resident clicked on the ad, which told him he had won the opportunity to purchase a brand new iPhone X for only $3. The resident then followed the directions to provide his banking information as well as his PIN number and other personal details. Shortly afterward, the resident discovered that more than $3 had been withdrawn from his bank account. The resident contacted his bank, changed his account and password information, and no further funds were fraudulently withdrawn.
• On Nov. 26, a Coast resident reported receiving a scam phone call after a male identifying himself as “Rex” left a voicemail message about wanting to conduct an inspection of the resident’s property in relation to “an important zoning issue.” The male left a phone and extension number to call back but the resident instead called her local governing body to ask if anyone was working on inspecting properties in her neighbourhood for zoning reasons. She was advised that no such work was being conducted. An online search of “Rex’s” phone number provided confirmation that this was a scam.
Break and Enter
• On Nov. 20 at around 5 p.m. a male suspect entered a partially completed building under construction in the 6000 block of Silverstone Lane, Sechelt, with a flashlight. The homeowner, who happened to be on the site, heard the suspect and when he yelled at the suspect, the suspect ran out and fled the scene in a dark-coloured vehicle. Nothing appears to have been stolen, but due to the recent spate of thefts from job sites, contractors are advised to secure their tools when possible.
Theft
• Overnight on Nov. 24, a suspect stole more than 300 litres of fuel from a large machine parked on a forest service road off Largo Road, Roberts Creek. The suspect likely had a smaller pickup truck with some kind of tank to hold the fuel. Anyone with any information about this theft is asked to contact RCMP, reference file 2018-8147.
Four Vehicle Collision
On Nov. 22, police attended a four-vehicle incident on Highway 101 near Snodgrass Road, Sechelt, after the first vehicle failed to stop in time to avoid rear-ending the second vehicle, which was in a line of traffic waiting for a vehicle making a left turn off the roadway. The collision pushed the second vehicle into the third, which was pushed into the back of the fourth vehicle. The third and fourth vehicles sustained minor damage and were able to be driven away, but the second vehicle sustained significant damage. Both it and the first vehicle had to be towed from the scene but no life-threatening injuries were reported by any of the drivers or passengers. The driver of the first vehicle, who had a restricted driver’s licence, advised that she hadn’t noticed traffic was stopped. The driver was issued a violation ticket for following too closely and driving contrary to restriction. The matter has been referred to ICBC.
Impaired Driving
• On Nov. 20, police witnessed a driver failing to maintain lane control while heading south on Pratt Road, Gibsons. Police initiated a traffic stop and noted the driver exhibiting signs of possible intoxication from alcohol. The driver was given a roadside alcohol screening test and after two “Warn” results, was issued a three-day immediate roadside prohibition.
• On Nov. 21, police stopped a vehicle at a roadblock on Highway 101 at Largo Road, Roberts Creek, and noted the driver exhibiting possible signs of impairment by alcohol. The driver, who advised she’d consumed alcohol a short time earlier in the evening, was given a roadside alcohol screening test. After a “Warn” result, the driver was issued a three-day immediate roadside prohibition.
Mischief
• On Nov. 21, police attended a mischief complaint at a business in the 5600 block of Highway 101, Sechelt, after the suspect attempted to force open a locked door despite staff telling the suspect the business was closed. As the suspect, who is known to police, had caused noticeable damage to the handicap accessibility button, police are recommending a charge of mischief under $5,000. The file is still under investigation.
– Sunshine Coast RCMP
