More Parksville Qualicum Beach area residents have been victimized by online scammers.
On July 31, a resident contacted the Oceanside RCMP, after reporting they had been defrauded out of $20,000 responding to an alleged AI business opportunity online, requiring all transactions be e-transfers. The same day, another resident reported being defrauded out of $3,500 after responding to an alleged credit card investigation requiring the purchase of gift cards. Also on July 31, a resident reported being defrauded out of $380, responding to an online ad for merchandise asking for an e-transfer in advance. On Aug. 2, a resident reported being defrauded out of $850 after responding to an online ad for a computer requiring money sent via e-transfer.
During the week of July 29 to Aug. 4, Oceanside RCMP received 342 complaints. Some of the other incidents included:
On July 29 in Parksville, keys, a phone charger and change were reported stolen from an unlocked vehicle in the 100 block of James Street. The same day, a black Husky brand compressor was reported stolen in the 3800 block of Marples Road in Qualicum Beach, Also July 29 in Qualicum Beach, a commercial scale for weighing fruit was reported damaged in the 2700 block of Turnbull Road, Qualicum Beach. In Nanoose Bay, trespassers were reported ringing doorbells at night in the 1800 block of Amelia Crescent.
Only July 30 in Nanoose Bay, a fence was reported damaged by a vehicle in the 2400 block of Arlington Road. In Parksville, a vehicle was reported damaged by a BB/pellet gun in the 200 block of Hirst Avenue West. Also July 30 in the city, a male was arrested attempting to breach a security fence in the 400 block of Wembley Road. In Qualicum Beach, chainsaws, handsaws, gloves and propane tanks were reported stolen in the 600 block of Village Way.
On Aug. 1 in Qualicum Beach, golf clubs and a push cart were reported stolen from a residence in the 100 block of Crescent Road East. On Aug. 2 in Parksville, a white Raleigh bike and a Norco Cruiser 'Ukie' with trailer attachment were reported stolen in the 300 block of Moilliet Street. In Qualicum Beach, a red and orange Scott Mountain bike was reported stolen in the 3000 block of Island Highway West.
On Aug. 3 in Bowser, a 12-inch by 36-inch painting of an ocean island scene was reported stolen in the 100 block of Burne Road. In Parksville, a resident reported their house was egged in the 800 block of Wembley Road.
On Aug. 4 in Qualicum Beach, a new tent frame was reported stolen from the back of a vehicle in the 600 block of Hoylake Road West.
— NEWS Staff
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.
