Abandoned Calls
The Golden-Field RCMP were kept busy with Abandoned 911 calls this week, after receiving 9 separate calls.
“These calls continue to be a major use of police resources in Golden each week,” said Cst. Spencer Lainchbury with the Golden-Field RCMP. Abandoned 911 calls are considered calls that have been placed to 911, however for some reason the call has dropped before police dispatchers can determine why the call was placed. Police must then place other files on hold to determine if the call is in fact an emergency and what assistance may be required.
“We would ask that should you accidentally dial 911 you remain on the line and simply explain to the dispatcher what happened.”
Police would also like to remind those using 911 that the service is reserved for emergencies only, noting that one 911 call this week was placed because the caller was tired of waiting for a train.
“Train delays and minor traffic complaints are not an emergency,” explained Cst. Lainchbury. “When 911 is used for non-emergencies, other callers, who may actually have an emergency, can be placed on hold if other lines are tied up.”
Non-emergency requests for police assistance can be placed through the Golden-Field RCMP non-emergency line at 250-344-2221. Should the call be made outside of office hours, simply press 1 to be connected to a police dispatcher. None of the nine abandoned 911’s received this week required emergency assistance.
Parked vehicle damaged
Sometime between January 20 and January 23 a vehicle was broken into while parked on 11th Street South, near 6th Avenue South. Nothing was taken, however significant damage was done to the vehicle.
Anyone with information regarding this or any other incident is asked to contact the Golden-Field RCMP at 250-344-2221 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Stolen Fuel
Police are investigating after receiving a report that several litres of fuel and a set of lights were stolen from a logging truck that was parked on King Street, overnight on January 24.
Stolen Bike
Local police received a report that a bicycle had been stolen from outside a local business on 10th Avenue South on January 25. The owner reported that sometime between 3 and 5 a.m., the unlocked bike was taken while he was inside working. The bicycle is described as a Silver 8 speed mountain bike with headlamps. Anyone with information is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
Vehicle Fire
Police were called to respond to a fire on January 25 after a truck driver reported that one of his tires had caught fire west of Donald.
The incident was initially reported to the fire department, however as it occurred outside of the fire protection area, police were requested to respond. Upon attendance, police determined that the truck driver had already extinguished the fire using a fire extinguisher.
Late night medical emergency
Local police, who were conducting routine patrols, were flagged down just after 3 a.m. on January 25, by a male who advised that he had been walking home with a female, near 9th Avenue North, when she suddenly passed out and he was unable to wake her.
The male estimated that the female had been unresponsive, but breathing, for approximately 20 minutes prior to police being flagged down. Police immediately requested an Ambulance and the female was transported to hospital to be assessed.
Take Preventative Measures
The Golden-Field RCMP are once again reminding residents and business owners to take preventative measures to ensure they don’t become victims of theft.
“Although a number of people that were arrested in recent weeks are still in custody, there are still others out in the community looking to profit from stealing your valuables,” says Cst. Lainchbury.
Both property thefts and break-ins have taken a dramatic decline since November, when police made several arrests after the executed of a number of warrants, however these type of calls have not stopped completely, with one vehicle being reported stolen last week.
“We are still seeing vehicles left running unattended, and valuable items such as bicycles and ski equipment in yards, not secured,” says Cst. Lainchbury. “Lock your cars, and bring valuable items inside, or have them locked up out of sight from the road.” Business owners and residents are also reminded that the Golden-Field RCMP began offering a preventative program, designed to reduce property crime, called Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), in October. Those who are interested in having a CPTED assessment done are asked to contact Cst. Derrick Mcwilliams by email at: derrick.mcwilliams@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or phone 250-344-2221, to set up an appointment.
Missing Snowboarder
On January 27 just after noon, the Golden-Field RCMP received a report from the ski hill that someone may have gone out of bounds in to the Canyon Creek area, and as such would require Golden & District Search & Rescue (GADSAR) assistance.
From there, police immediately notified GADSAR who put an air rescue team together to try and locate the male. Approximately 1 hour later, the male, a 26 year-old from Chilliwack, was located by GADSAR and transported by helicopter back to the ski hill.
Police would like to remind those visiting the area to avoid venturing into terrain that they are not familiar with, and that there are several factors including weather and terrain that can prevent rescue missions from taking place.
As such, people should plan ahead and be prepared. For more back country safety reminders and resources visit the BC RCMP website: www.bc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Male arrested on warrant
On January 28, the Golden-Field RCMP arrested a 36 year-old male, who had an outstanding warrant out of Williams Lake, after receiving information he was at a local bar.
“Upon attendance, police learned that the male had just left, at which time extensive patrols were made around town,” said Cst. Lainchbury.
Officers were able to locate the male approximately 20 minutes later, walking near King Crescent and he was arrested for the warrant. Police allege that a search subsequent to arrest resulted in the seizure of a small amount of methamphetamine.
The male, who resides in Golden, is scheduled to appear in court in Williams Lake in February to answer to the warrant, and Golden in March in relation to the drug possession.
Vehicle Impounded
A 32 year-old male from Calgary had his vehicle impounded for 7 days on January 28, after police allege that the vehicle was travelling at 150 km/h in the 90 km/h zone near Field. The driver was also issued a $368 Violation Ticket for excessive speeding.
Brass Knuckles Seized
Police seized a set of brass knuckles from a vehicle during a traffic stop on 10th Avenue South on January 28. The vehicle was initially stopped after the officer alleged that the vehicle was travelling the wrong way down a one-way street.
Once stopped police allege that an odor of marijuana was detected which led to a search and the subsequent seizure of the brass knuckles.
Collision Caused by U-Turn
On January 29, just after 3:30 p.m., police responded to a collision on Highway 1 near Field. Upon attendance police determined that the driver of a vehicle, after being instructed by GPS to do a U-turn, braked suddenly in the middle of the highway to complete the U-turn, causing the vehicle behind to rear-end them.
No injuries were reported, however both vehicle sustained significant damage.
Police would like to remind motorist that under the BC Motor Vehicle Act, there are a number of factors that prohibit U-turns, that drivers must also ensure they are keeping a safe following distance between them and other vehicles, and that this distance should be increased substantially during winter driving conditions.
For more information on U-turns and other offences in the Motor Vehicle Act visit: www.bclaws.ca
