The Oak Bay Police Department responded to 86 calls for service this week.

Purchase of Stolen iPhone
On July 23, 2025, a citizen attended the Oak Bay Police Department to report they had unknowingly purchased a stolen iPhone SE 64GB through Facebook Marketplace. The individual had arranged to meet the seller—identified only as “Dan”—outside a local café in Oak Bay. The phone, which had been factory reset, was exchanged for $170 in cash. The interaction was brief, and no further identifying details about the seller or their vehicle were obtained.

When attempting to set up the phone, the buyer encountered a Records Management Enrollment screen indicating the device belonged to a local business. The phone was brought to the police and later returned to the business. The original online listing had been removed, and no further information about the seller was available. (File 25-2016)

⚠️ Online Marketplace Safety Reminder

Buying and selling through online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Kijiji can be convenient—but it also comes with risks. In this most recent case, a resident unknowingly purchased a stolen phone through an online listing. The seller disappeared, the listing was deleted, and the buyer was left with a device they couldn’t use.

To protect yourself:

• Avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
• Always meet in public, well-lit areas—preferably near police stations or designated “Buy & Sell Exchange Zones.”
• Bring a friend or family member when meeting a seller or buyer.
• Never share personal or financial information.
• If something feels off, trust your instincts and walk away.

If you suspect an item may be stolen or encounter suspicious activity, report it to your local police department.

Theft of Bicycle
On July 25, 2025, a bicycle was reported stolen from a shed overnight, in the 1000 block of Newport Avenue. The fluorescent green TREK mountain bike is valued at $750. Neither the shed nor the bicycle was locked at the time. (File 25-2040)

Prohibited Driver & Excessive Speed
While monitoring traffic on Beach Drive on July 24, at 4:45 p.m., police stopped a vehicle travelling 114 km/hr in a 40 km/hr zone. The driver was found to be prohibited. The driver was charged with Excessive Speed – S. 148(1) MVA – $483, Drive While Prohibited – S. 259(4) Criminal Code (Recommended Charge), and the vehicle was towed from the scene. (File 25-2028 *see attached photo)

Excessive Speed
On July 26, 2025, at 1:45 a.m., police stopped a vehicle travelling at 130 km/hr in a posted 50 km/hr zone on Foul Bay Road. The driver was issued Violation Tickets for:

• Excessive Speed – S. 148(1) MVA – $483
• Fail to Display ‘N’ – MVA Regs 30.10(4) – $109
• Drive Contrary to Restriction – MVA 25(15) – $109
  The vehicle was towed from the scene. (File 25-2045)

If you have information regarding these or any other crimes in Oak Bay, please contact the police department at 250-592-2424 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).