Powell River RCMP reported the following for April 18 to 24, 2019.
Total calls for service: 100
Thefts: 10
Assaults: 1
Impaired driving: 3
Mischief: 5
Break and enter: 1
April 20; Highway 101, north
Police received a call from a concerned citizen that roadway markers in the construction zone on Highway 101 between Krompocker Road and Malaspina Road are continually being vandalized. The scene was attended and it was evident that unknown suspect(s) have been breaking the markers off at random locations. Police are reminding people that interfering with roadway survey markers is a criminal offence.
April 21; Marine Avenue, 5400 block
At approximately 6:15 am, an officer on patrol observed a vehicle speeding. The vehicle was checked and the driver displayed signs of drug impairment. A roadside sobriety test was administered, which the driver failed. The driver was brought back to the detachment where a drug recognition expert test was given. The driver, a 28-year-old Powell River resident, failed these tests as well and was issued a 24-hour driving suspension and had his vehicle impounded. Bodily fluids obtained from him will be sent to a lab for analysis and he could face charges of impaired driving once results are obtained.
April 23; Joyce Avenue, 4700 block
At approximately 11:30 am, police responded to a report of a break and enter. Once on scene it was learned that a storage container had been entered by unknown suspect(s) and several items had been stolen, including a Honda water pump, two Lincoln stick welders, a Husqvarna 16-inch chainsaw, a 1200-watt generator, a two-stage battery charger and a large socket set. Total value of stolen items is estimated to be approximately $2,400.
Since January of this year, Powell River has seen a steep increase in the number of break and enters reported to the RCMP. So far this year, between January 1 and March 31, 42 reports of break and enters have been received compared to 12 during the same period last year. Police are encouraging residents to lock their doors, secure their sheds and storage containers and report any suspicious activity to the RCMP.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact Powell River RCMP at 604.485.6255, or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.TIPS (8477) or online at bccrimestoppers.com.
