Here’s a round up of crime news from across B.C. on Jan. 8, 2025
Spike in counterfeit bills hits Prince George: RCMP
Recommended Videos
Mounties are warning people about a rash of counterfeit bills hitting stores and businesses in Prince George.
On Wednesday, police issued a warning to businesses who handle cash transactions to pay attention to the bills they’re receiving after a dramatic rise in counterfeit bill reports.
Usually, the detachment would get one or two reports of counterfeit bills a month, said Cpl. Jennifer Cooper of Prince George RCMP.
“Since Dec. 1, we have received 17 reports, so that’s quite a spike in counterfeit bills going around the city,” she said. “It is predominantly $20 and $50 bills we are seeing used.”
Police issued photos of the fake bills to help merchants identify the counterfeit bills in circulation. Some of the bills appeared to be fake cash that could be used be used in a classroom setting, said police, while others were photocopied bills printed on paper.
The Bank of Canada asks anyone who suspects they’re being offered a counterfeit bill to politely refuse the note, ask for another note and check it, and advise the person to check the note with local police. Attempts to pass suspected counterfeit bills should be reported to the local police detachment.
It is a criminal offence to knowingly use or keep counterfeit money.
Police look for witnesses after collision kills Vancouver Island man
B.C. highway police are seeking witnesses in a fatal highway crash in Nanoose Bay last week.
A 61-year-old Nanoose Bay man was killed as he was crossing Highway 19 at Northwest Bay Road just after 7 a.m. on Jan. 3.
The driver of the southbound pickup truck that hit the driver stopped immediately and is co-operating with police, said B.C. highway patrol. Several people who saw the collision also stopped to help the pedestrian and talk to police.
Collision reconstruction and mechanical experts have been brought in to investigate, said spokesman Cpl. Michael McLaughlin.
“This is a dangerous time of year for pedestrians,” he said in a statement. “We are asking all drivers to slow down and be extra alert, and all pedestrians to wear high-visibility clothing and protect themselves.”
Police said there were no obvious signs of impairment or criminality. Conditions at the time of the collision were wet and dark.
Anyone who saw the events leading up to the collision or have dashcam video is asked to call the province’s highway patrol in Parksville at 250-954-2953
More than $1.7M worth of contraband tobacco seized on Vancouver Island
Police on Vancouver Island seized more than $1.7 million dollars worth of contraband tobacco from a suspected trafficking operation last week.
West Shore RCMP said the illicit tobacco was found in a home on Setchfield Avenue in Langford on Dec. 30.
The seizure amounted to about 17,100 cartons or 171,000 individual packs of cigarettes, said police, which shared a video on Wednesday showing boxes stacked up in a room.
One of the boxes showed a package of cigarettes branded Canadian Lights. The boxes were hauled away on a forklift and flatbed truck.
The seizure of illicit tobacco was the largest West Shore RCMP has had to date, said West Shore RCMP Supt. Todd Preston, adding the products often uses the same pipelines for illicit drugs set up by organized crime groups.
No arrests or charges have been made. Police said it expects charges and fines under the Excise Act will be filed once the investigation is complete.
Man dies in New Year’s Day ‘fireworks incident’
A fireworks incident early in the morning of New Year’s Day has claimed the life of a 21-year-old man.
The B.C. RCMP confirmed Tuesday it is investigating the incident that occurred near Lake Cowichan.
“The file remains under investigation. Specific details or names will not be released at this time,” said RCMP senior media relations officer Staff Sgt. Kris Clark.
— Times Colonist
Threat against New West courthouse deemed not suspicious
The threat made against the New Westminster law courts that triggered evacuations on Tuesday turned out to be a hoax.
On Wednesday, police said it found nothing suspicious.
“Police worked methodically and carefully to search the area in and around the courthouse,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver in a statement. “The courthouse and neighbouring buildings are now open to the public. We’d like to thank residents for their co-operation as we worked to ensure their safety.”