Online scammers continue to victimize Parksville Qualicum Beach residents.
On Jan. 20, a resident reported being scammed out of $2,000 responding to a social media posting promising a $10,000 payback. The same week, another resident reported being scammed out of $300 responding to a link purportedly to receive an electronic transfer. Another reported being scammed out of $350 in the same manner. On Jan. 26, a resident reported being scammed out of $100 responding to a social media posting for accommodation in Parksville.
During the week of Jan. 20 to Jan. 26, the Oceanside RCMP received 236 complaints. Some of the other incidents included:
On Jan. 21, a vehicle was reported stolen in the 2600 block of Alberni Highway in Coombs. The vehicle was recovered Feb. 22 in Nanoose Bay. Also Jan. 21, community postal mailboxes were reported vandalized in the 2500 block of Andover Road in Nanoose Bay. One mailbox was pried open.
On Jan. 22, a residential break-end-enter was reported with a truck and numerous items stolen in the 100 block of Bagshaw Street in Parksville. Two suspects were arrested the next day in Parksville with charges pending. Also Jan. 22, a vehicle was reported vandalized with extensive damage in the 1100 block of Bellevue Road in Parksville. The same day, a vehicle was reported stolen in the 4500 block of Alberni Highway in Qualicum Beach. It was recovered in Qualicum Beach the same day with one suspect identified. The investigation is ongoing.
A groundwater monitoring well break-and-enter was reported on Jan. 23, with a data logger, batteries and cable stolen in the area of Station Road and Burgoyne Road in Coombs.
On Jan. 25, a business break-and-enter was reported with damage to a door and numerous items stolen in the 100 block of Craig Street in Parksville. A suspect was arrested, with charges pending. The same day, B.C. licence plates WS191A were reported stolen from a vehicle while parked at Horne Lake.
An electric bike delivered by a courier was reported stolen in the 200 block of Smith Place in Parksville on Jan. 26.
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.
