Sunshine Coast RCMP reported the following for the week of May 7 to May 13:
On May 7, police stopped a vehicle with an excessively loud exhaust system and noted the driver exhibiting signs of intoxication. The driver, who also held an invalid driver's licence, admitted to consuming alcohol earlier and failed a roadside alcohol-screening test. The driver was issued a 90-day immediate roadside prohibition, a violation ticket for no driver's licence and the vehicle was impounded for 30 days.
On May 8, a Coast resident reported receiving demands on-line from sites purporting to be Interpol or the RCMP. The sites demanded the resident send in $100 through the post-office and also randomly snapped photos of the resident through webcam.
This sort of scam is very common and the resident was advised to take his now non-functioning computer to a reputable shop to have it cleaned and the malicious virus removed. Please visit sites like www.phonebusters.com or www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca to learn how to recognize scams and to protect yourself from them.
On May 8, a hit-and-run occurred in a parking lot in the 900 block of Gibsons Way after a vehicle sideswiped another vehicle, causing noticeable damage. The second vehicle driver stopped to exchange information with the first driver who fled the scene. Fortunately, the second driver was able to note the licence plate of the suspect vehicle and police will be following up with the registered owner. Sometime between March 26 and May 8, a thief broke into a shed in the 5400 block of Earls Cove Road in Egmont, and stole a 2007 Honda 7.5 horsepower outboard motor, model number 5AK05S, and the associated gas tank.
The thief broke the lock and pried open the shed door to gain entry.
On May 9, police received separate complaints about the same erratic driver witnessed in Madeira Park and Sechelt. One witness was able to take video footage of the driver as he swerved back and forth from his lane, causing several oncoming vehicles to have to pull over suddenly to avoid a collision.
Police attended to the registered owner's residence and spoke with the driver who advised he was having some medical issues that affected his driving. The driver was issued a violation ticket for failing to keep right and a driver's licence review has been requested.
On May 9, a hit-and-run was reported in the 1000 block of Roberts Creek Road after the first vehicle pulled out of a parking lot and struck a second parked vehicle. The first vehicle drove away without stopping to check for any damage, but a witness recognized the suspect vehicle and was able to advise the owner of the damaged vehicle where the other driver lived. The matter is still under investigation.
On May 10, police attended a single-vehicle collision in the 3700 block of Highway 101 in Roberts Creek after a westbound vehicle lost control, went into and out of the ditch, crossed the lane and then crashed into the eastbound ditch, striking a hydro pole before coming to a rest. The damaged hydro pole affected power to nearby houses and oil from the damaged vehicle required the closure of one lane on the highway until the clean up was completed. The file is still under investigation.
On May 11, a witness reported a possible theft of a vehicle parked in the 5600 block of Cowrie Street in Sechelt. The vehicle, which was confirmed stolen, was stopped a short distance later and police determined the suspect was also impaired by alcohol. The suspect was arrested for the theft of vehicle and has also been issued a 90-day immediate roadside prohibition. The vehicle was released back to the owner.
Several theft from vehicles parked in the 5700 block of Mermaid Street in Sechelt occurred overnight on May 12. All the vehicles were left unsecured, so no damage was sustained. The thief rummaged through glove boxes and tossed contents around, however, the only item reported stolen to date is a stethoscope.
-Submitted
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