Sunshine Coast RCMP reported the following for Oct. 27 to Nov. 3:
• On Nov. 1, a box of poppies was found scattered in the alley near the Sechelt Volunteer Fire Department. A Good Samaritan gathered up the poppies and returned them and the collection box back to the Sechelt Legion, where it was determined the box had been placed at the Sechelt Public Library. It is unknown how much cash was in the collection box when it was stolen. Anyone with any information about this theft is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2019-7611.
• On Oct. 29, a theft was reported at a business in the 900 block of Gibsons Way, after the male suspect, who was on conditions from a previous incident not to attend that business, was seen inside the premises by staff. While police were en route, the business confirmed the suspect had stolen some items and fled the scene on foot. The suspect was located nearby in possession of the stolen items and arrested. Charges of theft under $5,000 and breach of recognizance are being recommended and the file is still under investigation.
Mischief
• Between Oct. 29 and 30, mischief occurred at a residence in the 1000 block of Fircrest Road, Gibsons, after an unknown suspect pulled a vehicle door handle off a parked vehicle. It doesn’t appear the suspect gained entry to the vehicle and no other damage was reported.
Found Property
• On Oct. 30, two safes were located in a pond at a property near Fairway Avenue and Gale Avenue North, Sechelt. The safes were damaged and police are attempting to match them up to recent break and enters to local businesses. Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact RCMP, reference police file 2019-7549.
• On Oct. 30, a woman’s ring that had been found near Hackett Park, Sechelt, was turned in. Owner may claim with detailed description within 90 days. Please reference police file 2019-7556.
• On Nov. 1, an external power bank that had been found on School Road in Gibsons was turned in. The power bank had a distinctive USB cable attached to it. Owner may claim with detailed description within 90 days. Please reference police file 2019-7614.
Scam
• On Oct. 29, a Coast resident reported nearly falling victim to a common scam after receiving a phone call from someone purporting to be from a computer company. The caller told the resident that she was eligible for a refund and to receive it, the caller needed to have remote access to her computer. The resident gave the caller permission to access her computer but when the caller asked for the resident’s credit card info, the caller grew suspicious and told the caller she’d check with her bank first. Fortunately, this prevented the resident from losing any money, but she will be paying a local business to check her computer for any malicious software that may have been installed by the caller. Police remind the public to be wary of what kind of information and access they give out to strangers. To learn more about popular scams and how to protect yourself from falling for 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.
Unlicensed Driving
• On Oct. 31, police witnessed a vehicle in the 5500 block of Wharf Avenue, Sechelt, being driven by a known unlicensed driver. Police initiated a traffic stop and confirmed the driver still did not possess a valid licence. The driver was issued a notice of prohibition and a vehicle impound notice. His vehicle was impounded for seven days. The matter has been referred to RoadSafetyBC.
Collision
• On Oct. 31, police attended a three-vehicle incident in the southbound lane at the intersection of Payne Road and Gibsons Way. The first two vehicles were stopped at the red light when the third vehicle failed to stop in time and rear-ended the second vehicle, which then collided into the first vehicle. Fortunately, none of the drivers or passengers sustained injuries requiring hospital attendance and the vehicle damage was minor.
Impaired Driving
• On Nov. 2, a suspicious vehicle was reported in the 700 block of Hillcrest Road, Gibsons, after the driver was seen behaving oddly in the parked vehicle. Police attended and found the driver was exhibiting signs of possible impairment. The driver was given a roadside alcohol screening test and after two fail results, was issued a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition. His vehicle was also impounded for 30 days.
– Const. Karen Whitby, Sunshine Coast RCMP
