Submitted
1. RCMP warns of fraud scheme in Squamish
On February 6, Squamish RCMP received a complaint from a resident advising she had received a cheque for $4000. (Advance for a “job”).
The complainant deposited the cheque and forwarded a large sum of money (theoretically covered by the cheque) to a destination provided. The cheque and employer were a total fraud.
2. Breach of Recognizance
On February 2, at 7:40 PM Squamish RCMP received information of a male recently released from jail, believed on route to Squamish. Police attended to the Squamish residence of a female with whom the male had “no contact” court imposed conditions. A search of the residence located the male hiding in a closet. The male was arrested, held for court charged with Breach of Recognizance.
3. Sudden Death
On Feb 4, emergency service received a call advising a man had fallen thru the roof of the Garden Center located at 1861 Mamquam Road in Squamish. The man (later and previously publically identified as: Andrew PEREMAN) was transported to Vancouver General Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. BC Coroners Service is investigating this incident.
4. Bicycle Thefts
Over the past week there have been additional thefts of bicycles from in, around private residences in Squamish.
5. Mischief to Vehicle
On February 5, Squamish RCMP received a report of mischief to a vehicle parked on Hunter place. Damage consisted of rear window broken and door handle damage.
6. Prohibited Driver / Drug Seizure
On February 5, a Squamish RCMP officer checked a male on the foot in the area for another matter. The male had drawn the attention of police due to his unusual behavior and possibly the driver of a car moments before.
A check revealed he was prohibited from driving in BC (however had not previously been served notice) and in possession of a small amount of marihuana. The drugs were seized and Driving Prohibited Status Notice was served on the male before allowing him to proceed.
7. Distracted Driving
This is a highly publicized and ongoing concern here and all areas. Traffic safety – reducing fatalities and serious injuries – is a top priority. The tragedy is that deaths and serious injuries from crashes are, for the most part, preventable.
Squamish RCMP and all police agencies will be checking for any driver behavior that takes their attention from the road, such as texting while driving, or putting on makeup. Additionally we will continue to pay special attention to drivers in the Graduated Licensing Program, to ensure they are abiding by their restrictions.
In 2011 distracted driving was a contributing factor in 45% of all collisions in the RCMP policed areas in the Lower Mainland. Last year police throughout the Lower Mainland handed out 32,266 tickets for distracted or inattentive driving. During February police will conduct an awareness and enforcement campaign. Police will be on the lookout for distracted driving behaviors commonly seen such as:
- Texting while driving
- Talking on a hand-held cell phone while driving
- Putting on makeup while driving
- Reading a newspaper or book while driving
If drivers need to make a phone call on a cellular phone or check email, they are advised to use a hands free device, or pull their vehicle over.
The fine for using an electronic device without hands-free while driving is $167. Moreover, drivers caught texting or emailing may receive 3 Driver Penalty Points (DPP) in addition to the fine.
Drivers in the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) are not permitted to use any prescribed electronic device, even if it is hands-free. GLP drivers will receive the $167 fine and 3 DPP for violating the Distracted Driving Legislation.
