The Oak Bay Police Department responded to 71 calls for service from June 12 to 18, but one case was especially egregious after a local resident fell for something known as the BC Hydro Scam.
The resident reported receiving a phone call from a male named “John,” saying that he was an employee from BC Hydro. The “employee” told them that the power to their business would be shut off for overdue payments if payments were made within the hour, according to a police news release. The resident believed the “employee” and sent four e-transfers totaling $8000. “The resident later reported that they had recently sold the business and needed to be out of building by June 16th and had forgotten that their BC Hydro bills were paid by pre-authorized equalization payments,” said police. This investigation is ongoing.
That wasn’t the only case dealt with by Oak Bay police. Here are some others:
Driving double the speed limit
On June 14, at approximately 10 p.m., while conducting traffic enforcement in the 600 block of Beach Dr., a 22-year-old male was stopped for going 85 km/h in a 40km/h zone. The driver was issued a violation ticket for excessive speeding with a fine of $368.00. The vehicle was towed and impounded for seven days.
Not qualified to drive
On June 13, at 9:25 p.m., Oak Bay police officers were conducting traffic enforcement at the three-way intersection of King George Terrace and Beach Drive. Officers observed a grey Hyundai Santa Fe fail to stop at the stop sign. The officer conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the 29-year-old female driver. A subsequent check on her driver’s licence status revealed that she was prohibited from driving under section 95 of the motor vehicle act. The female was arrested, issued a violation ticket for failing to obey a stop sign (fine $145) and released at scene. The vehicle was impounded for seven days.
Attempted break and enter to a business
On June 14, at 4:45 a.m., the Oak Bay Police Department responded to a report of an attempted break and enter to a business located in the 2000 block of Cadboro Bay Road. Upon arrival, officers found evidence that a suspect had attempted to pry open the rear door of the business. Police determined that entry had not been made to this business or any other businesses at the plaza. Police obtained CCTV from the business to identify a suspect. This investigation is ongoing.
Theft from motor vehicle
On June 14, at 4:45 p.m., the Oak Bay police responded to a report of theft from a vehicle in the 2000 block of Dalhousie Street. The owner reported that they had left their unlocked vehicle parked overnight. Reported stolen was the resident’s wallet containing identification, bank cards, credit cards and other identification cards. The resident reported that their Makita rechargeable batteries, radio player, and grinder were also stolen. There are currently no suspects.
If you have information regarding these or any other crimes in Oak Bay, phone the police department at 250-592-2424 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)
