[Submitted, Cst. Debra Katerenchuk, Elk Valley RCMP]
The Elk Valley RCMP responded to 506 calls for service between July 25, 2019 and August 26, 2019.
RCMP responded to the following calls: 13 Animal Calls; 10 Abandoned Vehicles; 8 Assaults; 4 Assault with a Weapon; 1 Assault-Aggravated; 3 Uttering Threats Against Person; 3 Breach of Peace; 3 Breach of Bail Violations; 1Break and Enter to Business; 2 Break and Enter to Residence; ; 15 Bylaw complaints; 7 Cause a Disturbance; 15 Collisions; 1 Criminal Harassment; 1 Dangerous Operation of Motor Vehicle; 1 Drive without due care and attention; 1 Drive while disqualified; 1 Drug Seizure; 1 Extortion; 2 Pointing a Firearm Act; 1 Domestic Assault (Verbal); 1 Fraud; 5 Money Frauds; 1 Harassing Communications; 1 Landlord/Tenant Dispute; 5 Liquor Act complaints; 2 Mental Health Act; 23 Mischiefs; 3 Missing Persons (located); 2 Possession of Property; 1 Sexual Interference; 37 Suspicious Persons/vehicles/occurrences; 1 Suspicious Currency Transaction; 2 Theft from motor vehicles; 3 Theft of Auto/Truck; 8 Theft Under $5,000; 1 Theft over $5,000; 89 Traffic complaints (moving-non moving), and 12 Theft under $5,000.
Four impaired drivers were stopped by the Elk Valley RCMP resulting in the following: 3-90 day Driving Prohibitions plus 30 day impoundments and 1-3 day Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP).
RCMP also had written 45 Motor Vehicle Act infraction tickets.
Stabbing in Sparwood
On August 14th, 2019 just after 6:00 pm, a man contacted Elk Valley RCMP to report that he had been stabbed in the left side of his chest. The man was transported by B.C. Ambulance Service to the Fernie hospital and then to Calgary by STARS helicopter. The man was treated and released the next day, as he did not suffer any life threatening injuries.
Elk Valley RCMP continue to investigate this incident and are seeking the public’s assistance with information that would shed light on what occurred inside the victim’s residence If you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or directly to the Elk Valley RCMP at 250-425-6233.
Break and Enter to Residence – Dearborne Road, Elkford
Sometime between July 25th and July 28th, 2019, unknown suspect(s) broke into a residence located on Dearborne Road in Elkford and stole numerous items including jewellery, money, food and electronics. The residence was unoccupied at the time of the incident.
RCMP continue with this investigation and are requesting that anyone who has information about this break and enter to contact Sparwood RCMP Detachment at 250-425-6233.
Bank Fraud – Telephone Scam – Sparwood
On August 2nd, 2019 Elk Valley RCMP received a report of a bank fraud that had targeted a local senior couple. An unknown person called pretending to be a CIBC bank investigator and somehow had the couple’s debit card and bank card numbers. That person also said they were working with the police and convinced them to purchase $500.00 in Google Play Cards. When the couple mentioned they were going to call the RCMP, the person on the phone became beligerent and ceased further contact. RCMP have been in contact with CIBC and Save On Foods and alerted them to this scam.
If you believe that you are being scammed by a business or person(s), please report the incident to the Canada Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at 1-888-495-8501 or if you have been a victim of fraud, contact the Elk Valley RCMP at 250-425-6233.
Buildings/Signs Targeted by Graffiti – Elko and surrounding areas
Around July 19, 2019, concerned residents of Elko reported several incidents of graffiti on buildings, signs, barriers and bins located at or near Baynes Lake, Elko Community hall, the Waldo Cove Recreation area and near the Baynes Lake Dump Road. The Elk Valley RCMP continue to investigate these acts of Mischief.
Anyone with information regarding the person(s) responsible for the graffiti, are asked to contact the Elk Valley RCMP at (250) 425-6233 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
More Graffiti Tags on Fernie Salvation Army Building and garbage bins
Sometime between August 17th and 18th, 2019, unknown suspect(s) used purple paint to “tag” the outside of the Salvation Army building, along with two garbage bins in their parking lot in Fernie. Police patrolled the downtown area, especially the back alleys, and located more of the same purple graffiti.
Graffiti tagging/handstyling on business buildings, government signs, private property etc, is an offence of Mischief under the Criminal Code of Canada. It is also a costly expense for business owners to clean up. See photographs below.
If anyone recognizes the owner(s) of these ‘purple tags/handstyles’ they are encouraged to contact the Elk Valley RCMP at 250-425-6233 or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Elk Valley RCMP Boat Patrols – Koocanusa Lake
As part of the RCMP Seasonal Policing initiatives, Officers were out on boat patrol at the Koocanusa Lake. So far this summer, four patrols have been conducted and engaging with boaters by conducting safety checks of their vessel. Impaired operation of a vessel was also a priority for these patrols.
To date, everyone on the lake was compliant and friendly. Another two more boat patrols will be conducted during the September long weekend on the lake Kookanusa. Here are some simple safety tips to remember:
• Plan ahead. Ensure the boat is properly equipped.
• Wear life jackets.
• Do not mix alcohol and boating. It’s illegal!
• Never overload the boat.
• Check the weather forecast before heading out.
• Be on the look out and maintain safe speeds.
• Everyone who operates a power-driven boat needs proof of competency or a Pleasure Craft Operators Card.
Visitor to the Elk Valley RCMP Detachment, Sparwood, BC.
It is not very often we get to see our neighbourhood deer come for a visit and a rest! The deer nestled behind the detachment for a short period of time before heading out to another resting and dining spot.