CARLI BERRY
news@pqbnews.com
A 19-year-old woman from Parksville has been connected to stolen property, according to the Oceanside RCMP.
A resident from Duncan had valuable items stolen from her vehicle while visiting one of the local resorts late last month. A cell phone, jewelry and some electronics were taken from the vehicle on June 27, said police.
Cpl. Jesse Foreman said incidents of theft from vehicles don't necessarily increase with the summer months or with the increase of tourism in Parksville.
"It comes in waves," he said.
After an investigation was conducted, a search warrant was authorized and officers searched a residence in the 600 block of Island Highway East. It was there that police said they located the stolen possessions. Charges of possesssion of stolen property have been recommended to Crown counsel.
Foreman said a step to prevent theft from a vehicle would be to not leave any valuable possessions in a vehicle.
"When I go down to the river, or to the beach I carry my possessions with me," said Foreman. "It's tempting to leave a purse in the vehicle, but it's best to keep it with you."
• Foreman said Parksville experienced a quiet Canada Day this year.
"No charges were laid relating to the beach," he said. "A few people were escorted from the beach due to public intoxication."
Foreman said there is a zero tolerance policy regarding the liquor control and licensing act violations. Under section 40 of the act it states that "except for liquor purchased and consumed in accordance with a licence that permits consumption in a public place, a person must not, in a public place, consume liquor or possess liquor in an open container."
The act continues that a person cannot consume liquor on a public beach, park or campground unless there is an order placed by the government of Canada or a bylaw set from the municipality or regional district.
"It's a family event, not a get drunk on the beach event," said Foreman.