Barriere RCMP responded to a variety of complaints in recent weeks, from a report of a stolen vehicle to concerns about a man working out.
On March 20 at approximately 9:16 a.m., the Barriere RCMP detachment was contacted about a stolen vehicle.
Cpl. Kyle Camalush, Barriere RCMP detachment commander, said that the vehicle was a 1992 Dodge Ram with B.C. licence plate RM6643, had been stolen at some point over the previous 24 hours.
”The registered owner advised they had all of the keys in their possession and there was a half-tank of gas left in the vehicle,” said Camalush. He added that while extensive patrols were made, the vehicle could not be located. Information about the theft has been added to the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC).
Camalush noted that if any member of the public spots an abandoned vehicle around town or in the area from south of Little Fort to north of Heffley Creek, they should call the Barriere detachment at 250-672-9918 to report it.
On March 26, Barriere RCMP received a call from a community member stating that a male was running around on Lodgepole Road without a shirt on, doing push-ups on the road, and running at vehicles.
“RCMP officers located the subject of complaint, who stated that he was working out,” said Camalush. “The officers advised the male to be mindful where he runs.”
At 1 a.m. on April 2, Barriere RCMP received another call about the same person, with a resident telling police that a man who seemed to be in distress was pacing up and down the street.
“The male appeared to be throwing rocks or knives at hydro poles on Lodgepole Road,” said Camalush. “Barriere RCMP officers attended and the known male was working out again. RCMP members confirmed that no one was in distress and requested that the male exercise at his property.”
On April 11, the Barriere detachment received a call from a husband and wife who reported that they were being scammed by someone claiming to be a representative of “Windows Defender” with whom the husband had been speaking on the phone.
“The couple reported that they wanted to use the computer when it froze and a window popped up telling them to call 1-877-339-0527,” said Camalush. “They called and subsequently spoke to a male with a thick accent who requested US$250 in order to repair the computer.”
The complainant was advised by the RCMP to immediately disconnect the computer from both power and Wi-Fi. The complainant told RCMP that there was no sensitive information saved on his device, but that he and his wife used it to access their utility bills. RCMP recommended that the computer be inspected by a professional before being used again.