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RCMP kept busy by snow, unprepared drivers

The RCMP were called out to a number of incidents involving motor vehicle collisions or vehicles going off the road over the past week, many of which were the result of drivers not respecting the conditions or driving with improper equipment - no sno

The RCMP were called out to a number of incidents involving motor vehicle collisions or vehicles going off the road over the past week, many of which were the result of drivers not respecting the conditions or driving with improper equipment - no snow tires in some cases, or worn out all-season tires or snow tires that fall below the required 3.5 millimetres of tread.

"We are encouraging people to use restraint and proper snow tires or snow chains when driving in those conditions," said Sergeant Shaun LeMay of the Whistler RCMP. "That requires a 3.5 mm tread depth, which means snow tires or all-season tires that are rated for mud and snow."

People are also driving too fast for the conditions, said LeMay. "Speed limits are rated for optimal driving conditions, and just because the road is rated at 60 or 80 km/h doesn't mean you can drive that fast in a snow storm. You have to drive to the road conditions, the visibility, the time of day and the amount of traffic."

Some six weather-related calls were serious enough to require the RCMP's attention.

On Friday, Nov. 26 at 6:20 a.m. the RCMP received a call that a vehicle had gone off the road heading onto Pinecrest Road and ended up in the ditch. No charges were laid, but police determined that the tires were down to the wear bars, which is a ticketable offence.

At 12:23 p.m., they attended a two-vehicle collision at Glacier Lane and Glacier Drive. A car lost control and hit a bus. There were no injuries but a 31-year-old male was charged for failing to produce a drivers' licence and operating an improperly equipped vehicle.

At 3:36 p.m. that day the RCMP were called to another two-vehicle collision on Alpine Way, near Whistler Secondary School. A vehicle heading towards the highway lost traction and struck a vehicle heading the other direction. Once again there were no injuries and the speeds were slow enough that the damage was relatively minor. However, the 17-year-old driver of the first vehicle was charged with driving too fast for the road conditions - a fine of $167.

At 7:52 a.m. on Nov. 27, the RCMP attended another collision involving two vehicles. In this case the vehicles were driving downhill on Whistler Way towards Highway 99, where no left turn is permitted. The first driver braked in order to make a left turn, and was struck by another vehicle that was turning right towards the village.

The driver of the first vehicle, a Honda Accord, got out to inspect the damage and then drove away. The RCMP are investigating the driver for leaving the scene of an accident and want to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the accident. The vehicle should have some damage on the back right corner.

The RCMP have also been responding to several calls for hit and runs, where parked cars were involved, and to cars that have left the road.

The RCMP are conducting snow tire checks during storms, as well as part of the road safety checks when they're looking for impaired drivers and drivers not wearing seatbelts.

The penalty for not having sufficient tread depth or driving on tires worn down to the wear bars is $109.

"The risk is someone dying or being injured is there," said Sgt. LeMay.

As well, people are urged to be patient around snow plows and only to pass when it is safe to do so - that's after a driver called in to report that two vehicles passed a plow at Wedgemont and Highway 99 in an unsafe manner.

 

Laptops taken by thieves

At 8:13 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 26 the RCMP received a report that a backpack containing a laptop, cash and other items had been stolen from a marketplace restaurant while the owner was getting breakfast.

The RCMP attended quickly and using eyewitness accounts and security footage they were able to get a description of the suspects and their vehicle.

Later in the day the RCMP discovered the vehicle in the day skier lots. They arrested three males in possession of the backpack. All three are 27 years old and from Surrey.

Two were charged with theft under $5,000 and possession of stolen property, while the third was charged with possession of drugs after a quantity of marijuana was found.

The backpack and its contents were returned to the owner.

At 7 p.m. that day the RCMP received a report of a break and enter at a local hotel, where a computer and cash were taken from the room. The RCMP are continuing to investigate, but urging guests to take precautions such as checking their rooms after leaving to ensure they're locked, keeping track of card keys, checking to see if they're being watched entering or leaving their rooms, and to avoid leaving valuables unattended.

At 7:15 p.m. the RCMP attended a break and enter on Sunridge Place, where thieves stole electronics, a large quantity of wine and other valuables.

At 5:18 a.m. the police responded to a break and enter at a local coffee shop, where an undisclosed quantity of cash was taken.

The RCMP are still investigating. Anyone with information on the unsolved cases can contact the RCMP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

 

Minors urged to be patient

The RCMP have found five underage people in local bars and clubs in recent weeks. The minors got in using I.D. from older siblings and friends.

The RCMP are urging minors to consider the consequences, aside from the ticket of $230. The liquor inspector and B.C. Liquor Control and Licensing Branch could decide to levy a fine against the establishment, or even pull an establishment's licence for a period of time - shutting them down and costing thousands of dollars.

As well, the proper owner of the I.D. can be charged for helping a minor obtain alcohol, which is the same penalty as for bootlegging. Fines start at $500, and the individual is also required to get new identification.

According to Sgt. Shaun LeMay, underage drinking in bars also creates liability issues for everyone involved, while endangering the minor.

 

Be on the lookout for fraud

The RCMP received several complaints related to an attempted credit card fraud in the Whistler area.

According to police, people were contacted at home and told they won an all-expenses trip to Florida valued at $8,000. However, in order to redeem the prize they were asked to provide their card number, including the expiry date, number and security code off the back.

None of the persons called provided that information.

The fraud was sophisticated enough that the caller identified himself and could pass the other person on to another person claiming to be the supervisor. However, if they were asked for more information or a number where they could call back the fraudsters hung up.

The RCMP advise never giving out your credit card information online, to ask questions, and to always ask for a callback number. People should also keep track of what contests they enter, keeping receipts and details somewhere so they know what they've entered.

 

Have you seen this bike (PHOTO)

The RCMP received a report on Oct. 21 of three dirt bikes that were stolen from a private storage near Brandywine. The bikes were taken overnight, and collectively were valued over $5,000.

This week the RCMP supplied a photo of one of the bikes, asking anyone who may have seen it should call police or Crime Stoppers. Meanwhile the police are continuing their investigation and following up on leads.