On January 27^th the Oak Bay Police received a report of a theft of an outboard motor from a boat anchored in the 3200 block of Beach Drive. The 1992 Johnson, 9.9 model was valued at approximately $2000.00. The suspect broke the chain lock.

On January 28^th, the Oak Bay Police received a fraud report regarding an apartment in Cook Street Village. The victim was defrauded $2250.00 from an online rental scam. The homeowner corresponded with a male who claimed that he owned a suite but resided overseas in Spain. The victim wired the money and was promised that a key would be mailed to them. The victim attended the suite and was informed by the occupants that the suite was not for rent and the homeowners resided on the main floor of the residence.

Types of common rental scams:

1. Obtain up-front money by collecting a deposit or the first month’s rent
2. Get people to buy online directories of homes supposedly for rent
3. Trick victims into signing up for credit monitoring

Tips to help avoid rental scams:

• The owner is out of town, and you cannot see the unit in person before sending money.
• There is a “for sale” sign in the yard.
• The alleged owner or property manager wants money through Western Union, MoneyGram, or a gift card. No legitimate business gets paid this way.
• The rent advertised is well below market rates.

Those looking for a rental should first conduct an internet search. Copy the photos in the post and use Google Image Search or Tineye.com to check for multiple listings. Also search using an interesting phrase in the description. And search for the address of the unit. If you see the unit in person, check ID and make sure you are dealing with the real property owner or manager.

On January 30^th, the Oak Bay Police received a report of a stolen bicycle from Oak Bay High School. The bicycle was a blue/black hybrid Krossport CCM men’s bicycle with front/rear fenders. Approximately value: $400.00.

On January 31^st, the Oak Bay Police Department attended a single vehicle MVI into parked vehicles in the intersection of Foul Bay Road and Leighton Avenue. The female driver admitted to drinking liquor and refused to provide a breath sample. The driver received an immediate 90-day driving prohibition and the vehicle was impounded for 30 days.

On February 1^st, the Oak Bay Police attended a residence regarding a 14-year old who was breaching his Conditional Sentence Order. The young offender was released after a tele-bail conference. Sadly, the young male is a prolific offender. He was released on strict court-imposed conditions.