Powell River RCMP weekly report December 6th to December 12th

Weekly Statistics

• Total calls for service = 95
• Thefts = 10
• Break and Enter = 1
• Impaired Driving = 2
• Assaults = 5
• Mischief = 4
• Mental Health = 6

Files of note

Local resident lost over $2000 in gift card fraud

On December 12, 2023 the Powell River RCMP received a report that a local woman lost $2600 in a gift card scam.

The resident received a text from someone who claimed to be the school Principal. The scammer requested that the woman buy Apple gift cards for the teachers and asked her to scan and send the gift card codes through text message.

The Powell River RCMP would like to remind all residents that frauds and scams increase over the holidays, especially gift card scams, and to remember the following:

• Legitimate businesses will never ask for gift cards as payment;
• If you’re purchasing a gift card, buy it directly from a retailer and make sure to get a receipt;
• Don’t scan and send a gift card code without confirming directly with the recipient;
• Always protect your personal information.

Phone scammer claiming to collect donations for the local Fire Department

Powell River RCMP received a report that a local resident got a phone call from a scammer who claimed to be collecting donations for the Fire Department.

Powell River RCMP would like to advise all residents that our local Fire Departments do not go door to door for donations or collect donations over the phone.

If you would like to donate to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund this holiday season, Powell River Fire Fighters and Putters Mini Golf will be hosting their annual burn fund fundraiser at Light up the Park during the next two weekends in December.

Multiple thefts from vehicles

Over the past week, there have been multiple reports of thefts from vehicles that were parked in various areas around Westview.

The Powell River RCMP would like to remind all residents to keep your vehicle doors locked at all times when the vehicle is not in use, to remove your car and house keys from the vehicle when not in use and to remove all valuables from the vehicle, including wallets and purses.

Prohibited driver arrested for impaired operation of a vehicle

On December 7, 2023, Powell River RCMP was out on routine patrol and located a vehicle that was parked, with the engine running, and a female driver slumped over in her seat.

The driver was identified by Police, who were aware that she was prohibited from driving. The driver was arrested for Driving While Prohibited.

During the initial investigation, Police observed evidence that indicated the driver may be impaired. A Standardized Field Sobriety Test was conducted and resulted in a poor performance. The driver was arrested for Operation While Impaired and released to appear in Court.

The investigation is ongoing.