Released by:

Cpl. Jeff Witzke 

Columbia Valley RCMP

The past two weeks, February 20 through to February 26, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 40 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the file our officers responded to.

On February 20 Members of the RCMP were called to investigate an assault that occurred at a residence in Canal Flats. Both parties had been separated but it was evident the victim had been struck in the face. The suspect was now in Kimberly but was cooperative with police and turned himself in. Alcohol is believed to be involved. 

On February 21  RCMP were asked to conduct Check Wellbeing on an individual believed to be suicidal. Members were able to locate the individual who stated they were going through a tough time as they fell victim to a scam that has cost them well over $50,000 . A fraud file has now been created and in the early stages of investigation.

On February 26  RCMP received multiple reports of a motor vehicle collision in the Kootenay National Park. Reports ranged from a three-car head-on collision with injuries to one vehicle stuck in the ditch. Parks employees were able to attend the area where it was determined there were two separate incidents where vehicles had hit the ditch. No injuries reported.  

Did you know?

In 2022, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre received fraud and cybercrime reports totalling a staggering $530 million in victim losses. That’s nearly a 40 per cent increase from the unprecedented $380 million in losses in 2021. Unfortunately, the increase in financial loss isn’t tied to an increase in reporting—the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre estimates that only 5 to 10 per cent of people report fraud.

March is Fraud Prevention Month. Please visit www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca to find out more information regarding types of fraud and tips on prevention.