Comox Valley RCMP – What’s Happening

Comox Valley

2021-02-18 12:30 PST

Dumpster Fires in Courtenay

On February 1, 2021 at 1:00 a.m. frontline members of the Comox Valley RCMP were called to a business on the 2300-block of Cliffe Avenue for a report of three separate dumpsters on fire. Investigators went to surrounding businesses and gathered surveillance footage. The suspect is pictured below. This incident is still under investigation. (Ref. Comox Valley 2021-1589)

Lost child found by Luca the Police Dog

On January 26, 2021 just as it was getting dark, the Comox Valley RCMP received a call about a child who had gone missing from a residence in Black Creek. Frontline members called on the assistance of Luca the Police Dog from Nanaimo. Luca and his handler, Cpl. Dean Muir, came out to Black Creek and the pair, assisted by frontline members, managed to find the missing child very quickly. (Ref. Comox Valley 2021-1342)

Found Property – Is it yours?

Tools

On February 1, 2021 members of the Comox Valley RCMP seized property they believed to be stolen; however, have not been able to identify the owner. The property believed to be stolen includes a Honda generator, two weed eaters, and three chainsaws. If you’ve had property stolen, have not yet reported it to the police, and can identify this property as yours, please call the Comox Valley RCMP Detachment and refer to file 2021-1617.

Wallet

On February 1, 2021 a considerate member of the public turned in a wallet which had been located on the side of the Catherwood Road in Black Creek. If you think the wallet could be yours, please called the Comox Valley RCMP with a description of the wallet, what was inside, and refer to file 2021-1731.

Bicycle

On January 18, 2021 a grey bicycle was turned in to the Comox Valley RCMP Detachment which had reportedly been stolen the previous week from some condos near Walmart in Courtenay. If you think the bicycle could be yours, and have not reported the theft to police, please call the Comox Valley RCMP with a description and refer to file 2021-921.

Beware of the Rental Scam

On February 5, 2021 the Comox Valley RCMP received a report of a rental fraud in Courtenay. The victim reported that he responded to an advertisement for a local property, signed a lease agreement and sent $1700 by e-transfer to secure the rental. Unfortunately, this was a copied listing that was used to trick people into handing over their money. If you’re looking to rent a property, please be cautious and take careful steps to ensure you don’t lose your money.

Warning Signs

• The rent is lower than similar properties
• You’re asked to pay rent without a formal rental or lease agreement in place
• The pictures of the property don’t seem to match the actual property

How to avoid being scammed

• Go to the address in person and schedule a showing to ensure the accuracy of the advertisement.
• Research the address to ensure it is not a duplicate advertisement. You might consider a reverse image search on images used to see if they were used elsewhere.
• Ensure a proper tenancy agreement is signed by both parties. This agreement should include names and addresses for the landlord. Ask the landlord to show picture identification as proof he / she is the person named in the document. While it is not a requirement that they produce identification, the renter should be suspicious if they refuse.
• Choose a currency method other than cash for payment of rent or deposits. Consider payment by personal cheque, money order, bank draft, or certified cheque.

For more information on frauds and scams, please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

If you have any information regarding any of these incidents, or any other crime, please contact the Comox Valley RCMP at 250-338-1321. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Comox Valley Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca. When reporting through Crime Stoppers, you never have to identify yourself or testify in court, and you could receive a cash reward for your information.
 

Released by

Cst. Monika Terragni

Email: bcrcmp-grcencb@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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