A Parksville Qualicum Beach area business reported losing $162,000 in a digital SIM card swap fraud on March 31, according to police information.
Three days later, a resident reported losing $130,000 in a cryptocurrency scam after investing online with a firm with an alleged celebrity endorsement. And on April 1, another resident reported losing $40,000 over three years after responding to a phone call to participate in a cryptocurrency investment.
The scams were the latest in a string of frauds victimizing PQB residents. More specific details will be provided as they become available.
During the week of March 31 to April 6, Oceanside RCMP received 289 complaints. Among them were seven complaints of shoplifting and 26 requests to check on the well-being of individuals.
Some of the other incidents included:
On March 31, a vehicle was reported vandalized with damage to a door lock in the 700 block of Nanoose Avenue in Parksville. The same day, a business break-and-enter was reported with extensive damage to the premises in the 400 block of Island Highway East in Parksville. A male was arrested with charges being recommended.
An Echo brand chain saw was reported stolen from the back of a vehicle in the 1000 block of Bowlby Road in Errington on April 1. One day later, a stolen vehicle from Nanaimo was reportedly set on fire in the 1100 block of Smithers Road in Parksville.
B.C. licence plate FC890G and insurance papers were reported stolen from a vehicle in the 2500 block of Andover Road in Nanoose Bay on April 2. The same day in Parksville, six trees on public property were reported damaged overnight along Bagshaw Street. Replacement cost for the trees is estimated to be $6,000.
On April 3, a door to a woodshed was reported broken off in the 400 block of Alberni Highway in Parksville. The same day, a lock was reported cut and a fencepost stolen in the 3100 block of Sundew Place in Nanoose Bay. On April 4, a theft of a delivered package was reported from the front porch of a residence in the 2400 block of Schirra Drive in Nanoose Bay, and a vehicle was reported vandalized with a window broken in the 1000 block of Schidler Road in Coombs.
Also April 4, a vehicle was reported vandalized with a window broken in the 200 block of Hirst Avenue in Parksville. Two days later, a secured bicycle was reported stolen with a lock cut in the 600 block of Jones Street in Qualicum Beach.
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.
