The Oak Bay Police Department responded to 75 calls for service this week.

Back-to-School Enforcement

Officers conducted high-visibility traffic enforcement during the first week of school, issuing 10 violations and 28 warnings to drivers. The initiative aimed to remind motorists to slow down and stay alert near school zones.

Stolen Property Recovered – Marine Investigation

On August 27, Oak Bay Police received a report of theft from a vessel moored at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, involving fishing equipment valued at approximately $7,000.

On September 4, the RCMP Marine Border Enforcement Team (MBET), in partnership with the United States Coast Guard under the Ship Rider program, conducted patrols in local waters. At approximately 10:00 a.m., officers observed a sailing vessel in Fleming Bay, Esquimalt, known from prior investigations.

A vessel check revealed fishing equipment matching the stolen property and an outboard motor believed to be stolen. The occupant of the vessel, a 37-year-old Victoria resident, was arrested for possession of stolen property.

Oak Bay Police obtained a search warrant and recovered nearly all stolen items. The suspect was released on conditions pending a future court date and has not yet been charged with an offence. The investigation is ongoing.

Deputy Chief Kris Rice commented, “This investigation highlights the strength of cross-border collaboration between police agencies. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of Oak Bay Police, the RCMP Marine Border Enforcement Team, and the United States Coast Guard under the Ship Rider program, we were able to recover stolen property and advance a criminal investigation on the water. Our ongoing commitment through Project Sea Watch has significantly increased our marine presence ensuring public safety and enhancing our ability to investigate crimes along Oak Bay’s coastline.” (Files 2025-2412 & 2025-2502)

About Project Sea Watch

Project Sea Watch is a marine safety and enforcement initiative launched by the Oak Bay Police Department in December 2024. The project aims to enhance public safety in Oak Bay’s coastal waters, particularly around liveaboard communities near Oak Bay Marina and Cadboro Bay.

The initiative was developed in response to serious incidents involving moored vessels, including thefts, sudden deaths, and marine rescues. It involves joint patrols with RCMP West Coast Marine Services and Transport Canada, focusing on vessel inspections, mooring buoy audits, and relationship-building with boat dwellers.

Key components of Project Sea Watch include:

• Mapping and identifying vessels and mooring buoys to improve emergency response.
• Educating vessel occupants on safety and compliance.
• Enforcing marine regulations when necessary.
• Fostering partnerships with marine stakeholders and the community.

The project reflects Oak Bay Police’s commitment to proactive, community-based policing—bringing the “beat” to the water to ensure safety and accountability in our marine environment.

Mischief

On September 4, police responded to the 2000 block of Cadboro Bay Road after rocks were thrown at a van by a group of youth. The suspects fled before police arrived. No CCTV was available. Anyone with information is asked to contact Oak Bay Police. (File 2025-2515)

Fraud

On September 5, police began investigating a fraud involving a phone scam. The complainant received a call claiming to be from TELUS, offering to reduce their bill and replace their phone. After sending in the old phone, the new one was never delivered. TELUS confirmed the call was fraudulent.

This scam has been reported locally and is consistent with similar incidents across Canada.

Victims receive a call from someone claiming to be from TELUS Mobility, offering to reduce their monthly bill and replace their phone for free. Once the victim sends in their current phone, the promised replacement never arrives. TELUS has confirmed this is a fraudulent scheme.

Oak Bay Police advise the public to hang up and contact their carrier directly to verify any suspicious offers. (File 2025-2521)

If you have information about these or other crimes, please contact Oak Bay Police at 250-592-2424 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).