Sunshine Coast RCMP reported the following for Dec. 7 to 14:
On Dec. 9, a Coast resident reported falling for a Canada Revenue Agency related scam after receiving an email from someone purporting to be with the “Canada Tax Agency” advising the resident that he needed to pay a large sum in “tax recovery.” The resident was directed to transfer the funds to the male, and send proof of payment as well. After the resident did as he was told, he kept getting phone calls from the scammer demanding more money. The resident returned to his bank to send more money and it was bank staff that alerted the resident that he was being scammed. Before responding to any out-of-the-blue requests for money, financial or personal information, contact the agency or institution directly, or check their web sites for scam alerts. To learn about the red flags to watch out for, as well as the latest scams, please visit sites such as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org. Please share this information with friends and family.
Collision
• On Dec. 8, police attended a two-vehicle incident on Highway 101 at Norwest Bay Road, Sechelt, after the first vehicle waiting at the lights to turn onto the highway was struck from behind by the second vehicle, which then continued straight through the intersection, into the trees and shrubbery and down an embankment. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported but the second vehicle had to be towed from the scene. It was determined the second vehicle’s brakes had failed. The matter has been referred to ICBC.
• On Dec. 8, police attended a two-vehicle incident in the 6400 block of Sechelt Inlet Road, Sechelt, after the first vehicle stopped to make a left turn off the road and was rear-ended by the second vehicle. Both vehicles sustained significant damage and had to be towed from the scene. Fortunately, no life-threatening injuries were reported but the driver of the first vehicle was taken to Sechelt Hospital for assessment. The file is still under investigation.
• On Dec. 11, police attended a single-vehicle incident at Pratt Road and Grandview Road, Gibsons, after the driver missed the turn and ended up off the road. The unimpaired driver advised that he’d also collided into a closed garage door earlier in the day. The driver was taken to Sechelt Hospital for assessment and treatment of minor injuries. Police will be requesting a driver’s medical review. The file is still under investigation.
Theft
• On Dec. 9, a known male who was banned from a business in the 5500 block of Highway 101, Sechelt, was reported breaching his conditions and shoplifting. Police attended and located the suspect and quickly determined he was in possession of stolen property as well as a controlled substance. The male was arrested and released on an undertaking for court on multiple charges. The file is still under investigation.
• At approximately 4 a.m. on Dec. 10, a pickup truck drove into a business property in the 5700 block of Marine Way, Sechelt, and stole almost 500 pounds of copper wire. Anyone with any information about this theft is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2020-8528.
Theft from Motor Vehicle
• On Dec. 8, a suspect gained entry to an unlocked vehicle parked up the B&K Logging Road, Roberts Creek, while the owner was out hiking. The owner heard honking from the area where he’d parked and returned to the vehicle to discover that the suspect had rifled through the wallet that had been left behind, and stolen cash, identification, and credit cards. Police recommended the owner report his identification theft to Equifax and remind the public to remove valuables from their vehicles.
Impaired Driving
• On Dec. 10, a witness reported a possible impaired driver on Malcolm Road, Madeira Park. Police located the suspect driver inside the parked vehicle and noted the driver was exhibiting signs of possible intoxication from alcohol. The driver, who advised he’d been consuming alcohol all day, was given and failed two roadside alcohol screening test. The driver was issued a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days.
– Const. Jihan McDougall, Sunshine Coast RCMP
