Sunshine Coast RCMP reported the following for Aug. 24 to 31:
Sunshine Coast residents are warned to be on the lookout for fraudulent lottery winner notifications in the mail.
A Coast resident received a very authentic looking, well-written “Set for Life” lottery letter advising her that her name was attached to a winning ticket and that there was a prize worth almost $1 million waiting for her to claim. However, the letter goes on to instruct the “winner” to reply by calling the number provided and that failure to do so by an approaching deadline will mean forfeiting the prize.
If the resident had called the number, she likely would have been advised that in order to claim the prize, she would have to give up personal and/or financial information or told that there are administrative fees required before the prize money can be claimed.
To learn more about popular frauds and common red flags to watch for, please visit sites such as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org.
Collision
• On Aug. 25, police attended a two-vehicle incident in the 5800 block of Teredo Street, Sechelt, after the first northbound vehicle crossed over the centre line into the southbound lane. As the northbound driver did not correct his vehicle, the southbound vehicle driver crossed the centre line into the northbound lane in an attempt to avoid a collision in the southbound lane. But then the northbound vehicle swerved back into its proper lane and collided with the southbound vehicle. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, and alcohol impairment is not a factor. The northbound driver was issued a violation ticket for failing to keep right and the matter has been referred to ICBC.
Theft
• Between Aug. 21 and 25, a suspect gained entry to a property in the 700 block of School Road, Gibsons, and stole a large number of tools including Milwaukee 18 volt impact drill and battery, and an assortment of Klein brand tools in a brown leather electrician’s tool pouch. Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2020-5913.
• On Aug. 27 at approximately 10:20 p.m., a male suspect gained access to a fenced compound at a business property in the 5500 block of Sechelt Inlet Road, Sechelt, and stole a flat metal garden cart and several 2-by-6-inch 8-ft.-long cedar planks. Police are reviewing security video footage. Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2020-6004.
• Overnight on Aug. 29, a suspect stole an orange and white Husqvarna 240 XTORQ chainsaw from the backyard of a residence in the 1300 block of Gower Point Road, Gibsons. Anyone with any information about this theft is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2020-6044.
• Sometime between Aug. 16 and 30, suspects stole a large amount of copper and conduit cable from a property in the 10100 block of Mercer Road, Halfmoon Bay. The stolen items include a 450-ft. spool of copper cable, and 50 feet of conduit cable. Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2020-6074.
Bike Theft
• On Aug. 26, a suspect stole a child’s bike from outside a residence in the 6200 block of Gale Avenue South, Sechelt or from Hackett Park, Sechelt. The stolen bike is described as a green toddler sized “PJ Masks” brand and had training wheels on it. Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2020-5941.
• Between 12:45 and 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 27, a suspect stole an electric bike from outside a residence in the 600 block of School Road, Gibsons. The stolen bike is described as a white RAD brand with a battery pack and green electrical tape on the left pedal. Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2020-5982.
• Overnight on Aug. 31, a suspect stole two bikes off the back of an RV parked in the 400 block of South Fletcher Road, Gibsons. The stolen bikes are described as two blue 18-speed Norco mountain bikes with 29-inch wheels. Anyone with any information about this theft is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2020-6093.
• Overnight on Aug. 31, a suspect stole two bikes from off the back porch of a residence in the 800 block Gibsons Way, Gibsons. The stole bikes are described as a black Kona full suspension mountain bike and a 2005 silver Specialized front suspension mountain bike. Anyone with any information about this theft is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2020-6094.
Fraud
• On Aug. 26, a Coast resident reported receiving two Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) cheques in her name even though she had not applied for the CERB. It appears that her personal information, including her Social Insurance Number, was compromised, possibly during a recent CRA breach. The resident was referred to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and Service Canada to report the theft of her SIN.
Ambulance Tailgater
• On Aug. 27, a witness reported a vehicle tailgating an ambulance south on Highway 101 near Leanne Road, Sechelt. The suspect vehicle then passed the ambulance at high speed on a corner on a double solid before cutting in front of the ambulance, nearly striking it in the process. The witness was able to provide a licence plate number as well as a vehicle and driver description and police will be following up with the registered owner. The file is still under investigation.
Impaired Driving
• On Aug. 29, police stopped a vehicle at a roadblock set up on Highway 101 near Monkey Tree Lane, Sechelt, and noted the driver exhibiting possible signs of intoxication from alcohol. The driver, who advised she’d had her last drink a couple of hours prior to driving, was given a roadside alcohol screening test. After two fail results, the driver was issued a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition and a 30-day vehicle impoundment. The matter has been referred to RoadSafetyBC.
– Const. Karen Whitby, Sunshine Coast RCMP
