Crime of the Week

Christmas in the Comox Valley


The 911-calls and requests for police assistance do not stop for the holidays. Between December 24th and December 25th, Comox Valley RCMP Frontline officers responded to over 60 calls for service in the Comox Valley.


The police reports in the Comox Valley included; 4 abandoned 911-calls, 3 reports of abandoned vehicles, 2 alarms, a couple of dogs on the loose, 3 assaults, 1 found child, 6 calls to assist other agencies (BCEHS, Fire Department), 1 noise complaint, 7 requests to check on the wellbeing of a person, 5 disturbances, 1 extortion report, 2 hazards on local roads, 1 missing person, 1 car crash, 1 report of damage to a vehicle, 1 firearms report, 4 lost/found property reports, 1 report of shots fired, 1 intoxicated person, 8 reports of suspicious circumstances, 2 thefts, 1 theft of a vehicle, 4 traffic complaints, and 3 requests to remove someone from a premises.


It is important to recognize all of the first responders have been working over the holiday season. The season often brings families together to share laughs, exchange gifts, and enjoy festive cheer; however, for some the holiday season can bring stress, sadness and tension.


Police officers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for assistance in a crisis or emergency.

Crime of the Week
July 14, 2021


Don’t fall victim to a fake emergency!

Comox Valley RCMP are urging residents to be vigilant when receiving requests for urgent financial assistance from family members, sometimes known as the emergency scam or the grandparent scam.

Typically, the victim will receive a phone call from someone claiming to be a close relative or friend. The scammer will sound distressed and desperate, claiming that they need money urgently, often due to legal trouble. These scammers often gather information from social media pages or genealogy websites.

RCMP offer the following advice when receiving such calls:

  • Watch out for urgent pleas that play on your emotions - If you have any doubts, trust your instincts and simply end the conversation;
  • Talk to other family members - If you receive a call or contact from someone claiming a family member or friend is in trouble, reach out to another family member or friend to confirm the situation;
  • Never send cash, gift cards or money transfers as payment to an unknown recipient;

Click here to visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website to learn more about this and other scams.


Suspicious vehicle report leads to drug seizure in Courtenay

On July 7, 2021 Comox Valley RCMP received a report of a vehicle parked sideways, taking up three parking spots, with two women inside who appeared to be passed out. Frontline members went to the parking lot at a business on the 2400-block of Cliffe Ave., in Courtenay and located the vehicle with the two sleepy women inside. It did not take long for one of the officers to notice drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle which initiated a more in-depth investigation, ultimately leading to the seizure of a significant amount of what is believed to be methamphetamine and fentanyl. The 40-year old woman who was arrested is known to police and has an upcoming court date.


Off duty goat wrangling

An off-duty Oceanside RCMP did not hesitate to step in when she saw a goat on the loose in Courtenay on July 13, 2021. The goat was on a walkabout along 29th Street when the call to police came in but before the Comox Valley members arrived, the off-duty member took care of business and put the goat on a leash. The owner of the goat was happy that police were able to catch the escapee. (ALT TEXT: beige full grown goat)


More than one reason to keep your music down

On July 14, 2021 Comox Valley RCMP received a 911-call reporting that several gunshots were heard coming from a residence on Fitzgerald Ave., in Courtenay. Police went to the area immediately, blocked off the road and surrounded the residence. The people inside came out and were cooperative with the following investigation which ensured nobody was hurt.

“We learned that someone had been playing loud music and gunshots rang out in one of the songs.” said Cst. Monika Terragni, Media Relations Officer, Comox Valley RCMP. “While we had the area blocked off, several people tried to pass-by pylons and police vehicles designed to keep residents out of danger. One woman even stood at the side of the road yelling at police as people were exiting the residence. It is very important that while these situations are unfolding to respect the blocked off areas and allow us to do our job – do not try to interfere or pass through an area that could be dangerous”.


Lock them up!

The Comox Valley RCMP would like to remind residents to lock and secure their vehicles while they are left unattended following a spike in thefts.

In June 2021, The City of Courtenay experienced it’s highest number of theft from vehicle reports relative to June 2020 or June 2019.

This is a preventable crime of opportunity and it costs countless hours of investigation after someone has their credit/debit cards, identification, and valuable property stolen. These hours can be directed to other community priorities once we get our numbers down.

It only takes seconds for a thief to get into a car and swipe your things. In order to prevent break-ins or theft of a vehicle, the owner/driver should:

  • Guard their keys at all times
  • Park in secure, well-lit areas
  • Remove valuables from the vehicle
  • Always make sure to lock the vehicle
  • Do not keep a spare set of keys inside your vehicle

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