Sunshine Coast RCMP reported the following for Sept. 20 to 27:
• Between Sept. 23 and 25, a suspect stole gasoline from vehicles parked on Sakinaw Lake Road near Highway 101, Pender Harbour, by drilling into the gas tanks. A similar incident occurred between Sept. 25 and 26, to a vehicle parked in the 12900 block of Shark Lane, Madeira Park. The suspect also stole two new Wrangler LT 265 R17 tires from this vehicle. Police have heard anecdotally that this type of mischief and theft has been an ongoing recent concern in the area. Anyone with any information about these incidents is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2021-6578.
Theft
• On Sept. 22, a male suspect was caught attempting to steal a watch at a business in the 900 block of Gibsons Way, Gibsons. The suspect, who is known to police and the business, was detained and staff were able to recover the item. Police are reviewing security camera footage and the file is still under investigation.
• Between Sept. 22 and 24, a suspect stole a lime green BMX bike from a residence in the 800 block of Mountainview Road, Gibsons. The resident reported a number of small items have been stolen from the property recently.
• Between Sept. 20 and 24, a suspect gained entry to an honour cash box secured to a self-serve produce stand in the 1500 block of Burton Road, Gibsons, by prying off a small lock, and stole a small sum of cash.
Vehicle Collision
• On Sept. 23, police attended a three-vehicle incident on Stewart Road near North Road, Gibsons, after the first and second vehicles slowed to a stop in heavy ferry traffic and the third vehicle driver collided into the second vehicle which then collided into the back of the first one. The first vehicle driver was taken to Sechelt Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and the second vehicle had to be towed from the scene due to damage. The matter has been referred to ICBC.
• On Sept. 24, police attended a two-vehicle incident on Highway 101 north of Leek Road, Roberts Creek, after the first northbound vehicle, which was stopped behind another vehicle waiting to make a left turn off the highway, was struck from behind by the second vehicle, causing the first vehicle to end up in the ditch. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage and had to be towed from the scene but fortunately, no life-threatening injuries were reported. The second vehicle driver, who advised he’d taken his eyes off the road briefly before noticing too late that the vehicle ahead was stopped, was issued a violation ticket for driving with undue care. The matter has been referred to ICBC.
Break & Enter
• On Sept. 24, a business in the 13500 block of Highway 101, Garden Bay, reported a break and enter after staff discovered a hole cut in the fence and signs of theft from vehicles parked in the compound. Police are reviewing security camera footage and the file is still under investigation.
Fraud
• On Sept. 27, a Coast resident was defrauded after receiving an email that appeared to come from her employer. The email requested the resident’s assistance in purchasing some gift cards for work. Fortunately, after buying the gift cards, the resident contacted her employer directly, and learned that the employer’s email had been hacked and that he had never sent the email request. Upon further investigation, the resident realized the fraudulent email came from an address that contained a slight typo, but which at first glance appeared legitimate. To learn more about these types of scams and how to protect yourself from 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. Please share this information with your family and friends.
• On Sept. 27, a Coast resident reported falling victim to a romance scam after their bank account was frozen due to suspicious activity stemming from numerous wire transfers the resident had made to the scammer, with whom they believed they were in a serious online relationship. The resident believed the scammer’s tale about needing assistance to pay for taxes on various international investments and over a period of time, gave the scammer a large sum of money. The resident also, at the scammer’s request, sent copies of their driver’s licence, banking information, and other personal identification details, which now leaves the resident vulnerable to identity theft. Scammers perpetrating romance scams are incredibly convincing and choose their victims indiscriminately.
Property Found
• On Sept. 24, a cellphone found near Trail Bay Mall, Sechelt, was turned in. Owner may claim with detailed description within 90 days. Please reference police file 2021-6557.
• On Sept. 26, a piece of portable furniture was found in downtown Sechelt. Owner may claim within 90 days with detailed description. Please reference police file 2021-6607.
