Parksville Qualicum Beach residents continue to be victimized by online scammers.
A resident reported, on Sept. 13, losing $9,000 over four months to a cryptocurrency scam. Another resident reported losing $5,000, responding to a social media investing ad on Sept 10. The day before, a resident reported losing $748 to a scammer as they thought they were booking a flight but inadvertently gave out their banking information. The same day, a resident reported losing $450 responding to a message on a social media platform from an individual purporting to be a government employee, requesting gift cards.
Oceanside RCMP received 285 complaints the week of Sept. 9 to Sept. 15. Some of the other incidents included:
On Sept. 9 in Qualicum Beach, a vehicle was reported stolen in the 4600 block of Island Highway West. Nanaimo RCMP recovered the vehicle and arrested two individuals. The same day, documents were reported stolen from a vehicle in the 1600 block of Country Road in Qualicum Beach.
In Parksville on Sept. 10, a construction break-and-enter was reported in the 100 block of Bagshaw Street. The same day in the city, a male was reported trying to steal a bicycle from a vehicle bike rack in the 1300 block of Gilley Crescent. In Qualicum Beach, a fire extinguisher was discharged in a reported case of mischief in the 700 block of Memorial Avenue. A male youth was arrested and released to appear in court at a later date. Also Sept. 10, in Errington, a wallet was reported stolen from a vehicle in the 800 block of Tanya Road.
On Sept. 12, a number of items were reported stolen from boats moored at the French Creek Marina. Oceanside RCMP were able to recover the stolen property and identify culprits. The same day, chef knives and kitchen items were reported stolen from a vehicle in the 100 block of Despard Avenue East in Parksville.
Christmas lights were reported stolen from a shed in the 800 block of Flamingo Drive in Qualicum Beach, on Sept. 13. Two days later, a vehicle window was reported broken in the area of Laburnum Road and Andreef Road in Qualicum Beach. The same day, a cash box was reported damaged and a bouquet of flowers stolen from a fruit stand in the 2100 block of Grafton Avenue in Errington.
If you see a crime in progress phone 911. The Oceanside RCMP non-emergency number is 250-248-6111 and the detachment is located at 421 Pym Street North in Parksville, with public business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, except holidays.
