A Parksville Qualicum Beach resident reported being scammed out of $4,800 after being contacted by someone offering to recover funds lost on a previous crypto currency fraud on Jan. 29. Another resident reported losing $1,500 after responding first to a phone call, purportedly from a software company, then a financial institution, to purchase gift cards and provide information printed on the cards on Feb. 1.
The day before, a resident reported being scammed out of $150 after responding to a social media posting offering firewood.
The week of Jan. 27 to Feb. 2, Oceanside RCMP received 193 complaints. Some of the other incidents included:
On Jan. 28, four vehicles in a fenced compound were reported vandalized with items noted missing in the 1200 block of Industrial Way in Parksville. Fuel was reported stolen from a vehicle at the Memorial Avenue pullout in Qualicum Beach on Jan. 31.
Also Jan. 31, a commercial break-and-enter was reported with nothing missing in the 600 block of Alberni Highway in Parksville. The same day, B.C. plate SD811D was reported stolen from a vehicle in the 900 block of Eaglecrest Drive in Qualicum Beach. Two male prowlers were reported in the 200 block of Bagshaw Street in Parksville, and a nighttime trespasser was reported in the 2400 block of Edwards Road in Nanoose Bay.
On Feb. 2, a black Jamis brand mountain bike was reported stolen in the 700 block of Barclay Crescent in Parksville.
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, Parksville, with public business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, except holidays.
