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Columbia Valley RCMP Report
This week the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to about 45 calls for service; last year that number was just above 50. The following is a summary of a couple of the more interesting calls.
Sleuth follows gut and doesn’t get scammed
On December 12, Columbia Valley RCMP received a report that a local resident responded to what appeared to be a fraudulent rental ad on Kijiji. The resident started corresponding with a male named “Marcos” while looking into renting a property in Fairmont Hot Springs. The male asked the resident to transfer $2,000 rent and a $1,000 security deposit but did not send any sort of rental agreement.
The resident, feeling a bit uncomfortable at sending so much money with no formal agreement, did a drive by of the property and noted it had a “For Sale” sign. The real estate website of the property details contained different photos than the ones “Marcos” had sent.
Wishing to confirm, the resident called the real estate company and someone there confirmed the owner of the home had a different name than “Marcos.” The resident believed the ad was fraudulent and thus did not send any money and reported the incident to police.
Unlocked vehicle stolen; others entered
During the morning hours of December 14, Columbia Valley RCMP received a report from a young man living near Invermere reporting that his Subaru Forester was stolen out of his driveway. The vehicle owner stated that he left the car unlocked and there was a spare key in the car. While police were on scene a number of neighbours also identified that their unlocked vehicles had been rummaged through. All vehicles involved were unlocked at the time. The stolen Subaru has not been recovered yet.
Like trying to squeegee a beach
On December 17, I was conducting some enhanced speed enforcement throughout Kootenay National Park. Needless to say there was no shortage of work in the 90 km/h zone. When I stopped for a coffee in Radium Hot Springs the wonderful coffee attendants were asking me if my actions were having any kind of effect; my only reply – it’s akin to trying to squeegee a beach.
Happy holidays from Columbia Valley RCMP
On behalf of all of us here at the Columbia Valley RCMP detachment, have a happy holiday season and cherish this time with friends and family. We will be working throughout the holidays to make sure you and your loved ones remain safe.
– Sgt. Bob Vatamaniuck is commander of the Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment