Good Day Block Watch Captains, Co-Captains & Participants,
West Vancouver Police have responded to 268 calls for service since our last update.
**Click Here For Updated Block Watch Crime Alerts At WestVanPolice.ca**
Fraud
Some very familiar Fraud offences found victims in West Vancouver this past week, with a very concerning risk factor in two reports. Three different Seniors reported being targeted by the “Grandparent Scam”. Suspects pose as a family member or lawyer and claim a child or grandchild needs money urgently.
A Horseshoe Bay resident was advised that their grandson was a suspect in a fatal crash, a resident in Caulfeild was told their son needed bail money, an Ambleside resident was texted by a suspect claiming to be their daughter and needing money for an emergency.
Sadly, all three gave money to suspects before realizing it was a scam.
Of urgent concern, in two cases the victims met suspects directly, including one suspect attending the victim’s home to collect payment.
We urge you to be alert to fraud offences. Please ensure any elderly or otherwise vulnerable persons you may assist in caring for have the support & information they need to reduce the risk of being victimized.
Holiday Package & Mail Theft
The rush of holiday gift & other deliveries is a tempting target for thieves. We’ve received three mail theft reports over the past week. Aside from the year-round risk to personal, banking & other information that arrives by mail, thieves are certainly aware this is a time of year for home & mail deliveries of gift items.
The thefts reported this week were all believed to have occurred during overnight hours. We urge you to check & clear all mail or delivery items daily when deliveries can be expected. Leaving items in your mailbox, on the porch or doorstep for any extended period increases your risk of loss.
18th Annual WV Emergency Services Gift Drive
We are into our final week of the 18th Annual West Vancouver Emergency Services Gift Drive. From now through December 20th, 2023, we are accepting donations of new, unwrapped gifts for children & teens aged 18 or younger. Donations are delivered to the Family Services of the North Shore Christmas Bureau to help families facing financial challenges provide a happy holiday for their children.
Donations are accepted at West Vancouver Police Headquarters, all West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Halls, and West Vancouver Transit Headquarters.
Click Here For Donation Locations
Please note we cannot accept cash donations, used toys or stuffed animal toys.
If you see any activity of concern, please don’t hesitate to call West Vancouver Police. Call 604-925-7300 for non-emergency matters. Call 9-1-1 in an emergency, including events that involve an immediate threat to a person or property or to report a substantive crime in progress.
For updated crime alerts between our weekly updates click westvanpolice.ca/crime-alerts.
Jeff Palmer
Block Watch & Operational Support Coordinator
t: 604-925-7363
