By Cst. Debra Katerenchuk

The following Elk Valley RCMP media report contains details of investigations into reports of a theft from Park Place Lodge; Sweepstakes Scams; and a semi trailer roll over.

Theft from Park Place Lodge

On April 21, around 1:30 p.m., an employee from the Park Place Lodge contacted the police to report that a disguised male had stolen from the money drawer/safe. The unknown male had approached the front desk and requested that his room be checked for a strange smell. When the employee returned from checking the room, the male had departed with a large sum of money.

The Caucasian male had been described as approximately 5’7”, medium built, black buff covering his face, two hoods up, black ski coat, black bulky gloves, black boots, and a prominent nose bridge.

Elk Valley RCMP is appealing to the public for any witnesses who they believe may have been in the area either walking by or driving by.

If you have information about this, please contact the Elk Valley RCMP at (250) 425-6233 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1(800)222-8477.

Sweepstakes Scams in Elk Valley

On April 22, a member from the public contacted the police to report a fraudulent call he had received from a private number.  The male caller said he had just won $1.5 million though a sweepstakes but needed to provide a credit card number or bank draft in the amount of $2,500 to pay for fees associated for the price. He was then instructed to make the bank draft to an address in Saskatchewan.  The highly alert resident quickly recognized this as a scam and hung up the phone.

RCMP would like to recommend to not assume the telephone number contacting you is legitimate as computer software can replicate any phone number.  Do not send money electronically or make payments to anyone over the phone without taking the proper steps.  It is very important to know that once money is sent electronically it likely cannot be recovered.

Remain vigilant! To report a fraud or scam contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or via online reporting.

Single Commercial Vehicle MVI near Sparwood

On April 26, just before 10:30 p.m., police responded to a semi trailer that had flipped with its load of salt, into the ditch on its side on Highway 3 just south of Sparwood (pictured above). Sparwood Fire Department and BC Emergency also responded to the call. The driver, who did not sustain any serious injuries, was extracted from the vehicle and transported to the Fernie Hospital for medical assessment.

There were no other vehicles or persons involved in this motor vehicle incident.

The load of salt remained intact.

Elk Valley RCMP would like thank the assistance of Sparwood Fire Department and BC Ambulance at the accident scene.

Presently, this incident continues to be under investigation by the Elk Valley RCMP.  If anyone witnessed this incident, please contact the Elk Valley RCMP at 250-425-6233.

Lock it or Lose it:  Your vehicles and mountain bikes

Elk Valley RCMP would like to remind the public of their duty and responsibility to lock all your vehicles and secure your mountain bikes.  Please do not leave personal/business items in your vehicles.

The police have seen an increase in property crime which coincides with warmer weather and increase in summer traffic.

The RCMP would like everyone to be very cognizant in securing your properties safe from daytime and nighttime thieves.

– Cst. Debra Katerenchuk is Media Relations Officer with Elk Valley RCMP Detachment

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