Squamish RCMP are warning citizens to be wary of potential scams after an apparent attempt to bilk a local landlord of money recently.
Last Wednesday (Oct. 9), police received a report that a Squamish resident who had been advertising a room for rent on Craigslist was sent a counterfeit money order for rent and shipment of a vehicle from the U.S., RCMP Sgt. Wayne Pride wrote in a statement.
The person, who communicated by text message, claimed he was intent on attending school in the area and tried unsuccessfully to convince the would-be victim to send him money in the U.S., purportedly to allow him to transport a vehicle from the U.S., Pride said.
At a bank, after the would-be victim was advised that the money order was counterfeit, the homeowner the suspect to have no further contact. The suspect "replied with threatening text comments towards the victim," Pride said.
The investigation is ongoing. "Police would like to remind the public to be aware of any such scams or hard-luck stories in which any individuals attempt to obtain money for any reason that appears suspicious," he said.
Graffiti probed
Last Tuesday (Oct. 8) at around 8:40 p.m., police received a report of two males spray-painting graffiti on an outside wall of a business in the 38000 block of Second Avenue. The suspects were described as wearing backpacks and black hoodies, with one wearing dark pants and the other blue jeans, Pride said.
The two were last seen walking north on Winnipeg Avenue, but police failed to locate them. "This is becoming an increasing concern in the community, costing business and propertyownersto clean up their property," Pride said, adding that anyone who witnesses such activity should contact police immediately.
Tools stolen
Last Tuesday (Oct. 8), police received a report of a theft of a vehicle that had been parked overnight in the 41000 block of Government Road. The vehicle was not locked and no damage was done, but power tools with a total value of around $2,000 were stolen. They included a Milwaukee hammer drill, a red Milwaukee saw and a green Makita grinder. Police reminded residents to lock vehicles and to remove valuables from vehicles when left unattended.
Batteries stolen
A 52-year-old Squamish man is facing a theft charge in connection with the theft of two marine batteries from a storage area at the Squamish Yacht Club overnight last Wednesday-Thursday (Oct. 9-10). After the report, the batteries were located at a local salvage business and recovered.
Man sought
Police are looking for a 40-year-old Squamish man who allegedly assaulted his 38-year-old girlfriend after a verbal disagreement on Friday (Oct. 11) at a home in the 38000 block of Gambier Avenue. The suspect fled the scene and police are continuing their search for him, Pride said.
Business damaged
On Tuesday (Oct. 15) at around 12:30 a.m., police responded to an alarm at a business in the 40000 block of Tantalus Road. The business's front window had been smashed with a rock, but no entry was gained, nor was anything stolen. Police are investigating.
