North Delta crime beat, week of July 11

The purpose of the crime beat is to educate and inform the public about some of the property crime trends occurring in North Delta and other files of interest. It is submitted weekly by the Delta Police Department. If you see anything occurring that you believe to be suspicious, call 911 for in progress crimes and emergencies or 604-946-4411 for other assistance.

The following are some of the calls police responded to in the previous week:

• July 5, 7200-block 116th St.: Complainant reported they frequently start their motorhome parked in front of their home to ensure it runs. On this occasion the vehicle made a loud sound and when the complainant crawled under the vehicle he found the catalytic converter had been removed. Approximate damage to the vehicle is $2,500.

• July 7, 8200-block Trondheim Dr.: Complainant reported the theft sometime overnight of the catalytic converter from their vehicle parked outside of their residence. Damage was approximately $350. Police discussed options to prevent future crime and a file number was provided for ICBC.

• July 8, 8500-block 116A St.: A report was received from complainant regarding a fraud which occurred over the telephone. In an attempt to obtain a refund for an online software purchase, the complainant was directed to buy Google gift cards and provide them to the caller. Police advised complainant of ongoing scams, how to identify them and ways to protect themselves. Complainant was directed to contact Google to see if the cards could be cancelled and refunded.

• July 8, North Delta Public Safety Building, 11375 84th Ave.: Complainant reported their computer was flashing red and indicating a number they should call. The complainant called the number and was told their computer could be fixed remotely if they provided them with Sephora gift cards. The suspect stayed on the phone while the complainant purchased 10 gift cards totalling $1,735 from three different stores. The complainant realized they had been scammed when their partner returned home and unplugged the computer. Complainant advised they had already contacted their bank, Equifax, TransUnion and Sephora, who advised they will attempt to stop the cards from being used unless they are already drained.

• July 9, North Delta Public Safety Building, 11375 84th Ave.: Complainant reported they had been contacted by a male who told them they were a winner of a lottery prize and in order to claim the prize they must send $1,000 by mail to an address in Ontario. The complainant sent the money via FedEx before they realized they had been scammed.

• July 11, 11100 Scarborough Dr.: Complainant reported their grandparent’s BMW parked in front of the residence had been stolen sometime over the past three days. Items in the vehicle included a Balenciaga purse, Montclair jacket and Zara sandals, valued at approximately $5,000. No keys to the vehicle missing.