Scammers, both by phone and online, continue to victimize Parksville Qualicum Beach residents.
On Dec. 18, a resident reported losing more than $1,800 after responding to an online offer to purchase a pet. The same day, a resident reported losing $2,300 after a phone call from a bank employee imposter, who obtained financial information. On Dec. 20 a resident reported losing $700 after responding to an email of a supposed subscription renewal resulting in a supposed overpayment that could be remedied by repaying via cryptocurrency. On Dec. 14, a resident reported being scammed out of more than $1,600, responding to messages on a social media app to buy cryptocurrency.
During the two-week period from Dec. 9 to Dec. 22, Oceanside RCMP received 421 complaints. Some of the other incidents included:
On Dec. 9, a stolen white vehicle from Nanaimo was recovered by Oceanside RCMP in the 4500 block of Callow Road in Bowser. A day later, two batteries were reported stolen from a recreational vehicle with damage to a latch in the 5000 block of Longview Drive in Bowser. The same day, the stem cores from 17 trailer tires were reported stolen from a storage lot in the 1300 block of Industrial Way in Parksville.
On Dec. 11, a residential break-and-enter was reported in the 1800 block of Craig Drive in Nanoose Bay. A male suspect was identified and the investigation is continuing. The same day, a residential break-end-enter was reported in the 1600 block of Beaver Creek Warf Road in Nanoose Bay. A male was arrested on site and held in custody to appear in court.
On Dec. 12, a business break-and-enter was reported with approximately 200 litres of liquor drained from three barrels and 25 cases of empty bottles missing in the 600 block of Berwick Road South in Qualicum Beach. The next day, a stolen red vehicle from Comox was recovered by Oceanside RCMP on Cook Creek Road in Qualicum Beach. Also Dec. 13 a 2004 white, fully enclosed EZLO trailer, B.C. plate WRA127N, was reported stolen from a lot on Blacktail Road in Spider Lake.
A community centre break-and-enter was reported with alcohol and food stolen in the 200 block of Lions Way in Qualicum Bay on Dec. 14. The following day, a business break-and-enter was reported with storage locks broken off in the 100 block of Fourth Avenue East in Qualicum Beach.
A utility trailer break-and-enter was reported with Milwaukee skill saw with battery, Milwaukee drill with battery and Paslode nailer with battery as some of the items missing in the 200 block of Baywater Road in Qualicum Beach on Dec 16. The same day, a vehicle was reported stolen in the 1100 block of Smithers Road in Parksville. Oceanside RCMP recovered the vehicle on Dec. 18.
On Dec. 19, a courier package was reported stolen from a front porch in the 2300 block of Fowler Road in Qualicum Beach. The same day, a green youth ATV was found on Boorman Road, Qualicum Beach. Contact Oceanside RCMP during regular business hours to claim quoting File 2024-12570.
On Dec. 21 an attempted residential break-and-enter was reported with damage to a door component in the 1300 block of Cape Cod Drive in Parksville. The same day, a newspaper box was reported knocked over in the area of Arbutus Street and Willow Road in Qualicum Beach.
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. Public business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, except holidays.