Fraud Scams Continue:

I'm sure everyone is getting sick of the never ending phone scams. As many have likely noticed, in the past few months these calls seem to be originating from local numbers, making it more likely that you will answer. These call centres are almost always located overseas. These scammers are using voice over internet technology to place these calls, and programs that generate a call display from the local area. These call centres are clearly making money by defrauding unsuspecting Canadians, as new ones pop up faster than authorities in the country of origin can shut them down. I don't see this trend abating anytime soon, so we all have to be educated and aware. Please discuss these scams with any vulnerable family members or friends, as prevention is by far the best option available to us. Services Canada does not cold call people threatening arrest, and I can't imagine a scenario were your social insurance card could be compromised, leading to your arrest.

Shout out:

On Friday October 30th, there was a major collision at the intersection or Heriot Bay Rd, and West Rd. I would like to thank the many citizens that stopped to provide assistance in the moments immediately after. Three people were injured, and transported to hospital. Luckily no one ended up suffering from critical life threatening injuries. I would also like to thank Fire Chief Sharon, and her crew. If you have never seen our local fire department in action, I can tell you they are a very professional and experienced group of dedicated volunteers. The speed in which they attend scenes is nothing short of incredible, especially considering they are not waiting around the fire hall for a call like big city departments. Many members of the Quadra Fire Department have years of experience and training behind them, and they operate like a well oiled machine. We are very lucky to have them. The BC ambulance service also responded in full force, sending the local ambulance, as well as one from Campbell River, and a Helicopter. The response time was impressive.

Impaired Driving:

Despite many educational campaigns across the country, Impaired driving continues to be a major safety concern across Canada. Please do not risk driving if you've been drinking. We will be ramping up our enforcement in this area as we approach Christmas, as part of a National Campaign. We would prefer it if our stats at the end of the year were down in this category, as it would mean Islanders were making good judgment calls. However, there will be no breaks given to anyone caught driving under the influence. I believe this is the biggest safety risk to people living on these islands.

Mental Health:

Our calls for service for mental health related issues has increased slightly this year. However, when I dig deeper into the stats, our apprenshions under the Mental Health Act have gone up three fold. We apprehend people under section 28 of the Mental Health Act, only if they are an immediate threat to themselves or others. Usually these calls result from people expressing suicidal thoughts. Once we apprehend someone under the Mental Health Act, we are required to bring them to a physician for a proper medical assessment. I can only assume that COVID is contributing to this sharp increase. The extra stress and anxiety may be pushing people further to the edge of their abilities to cope. Although COVID isn't something that most dwell on every minute of the day, the threat is always there, and the news is increasingly dark. I imagine it's like that App running in the background on your phone, you don't realize it's open, but it's slowly draining the battery. I'm bringing this topic up, because it's clearly effecting people in our communities. Please support each other as best you can during this time of uncertainty. Check in on each other, listen, and support each other. If you have concerns about the mental health of a friend or family member, intervene early. Usually there is indication someone isn't doing well long before they take action or begin making comments about self harm.

Stay safe and mask up.

Thanks

Cpl. Sean Bulford
Quadra Island RCMP

If you have any information regarding an incident or crime please contact the Quadra RCMP at 250-285-3631 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.