The purpose of the Crime Beat is to educate and inform the public about some of the property crime trends occurring in South Delta and other files of interest. If you see anything occurring that you believe to be suspicious, call 911 for in-progress crimes and emergencies or 604-946-4411 for other assistance.
The following are some of the calls Delta police responded to in the previous week:
Tsawwassen and TFN
*Aug. 11, 9:34 p.m. 1200 block Pacific Drive: Complainant contacted police to report that a youth had been riding an uninsured motor bike up and down the street for the past hour. On attendance, police spoke to the youth’s father, who advised that he had left his son at home while doing some errands. The son admitted to riding the motor bike up and down the street and admitted to not having a driver's licence as he was 13-years-old. Police provided education to the son and the father took the keys away.
*Aug. 13, 9:53 p.m., Highway 17/52nd St: Complainant reported seeing a group of people drinking heavily while at a golf course, then getting into two vehicles. The complainant followed and provided updates to police, who conducted traffic stops on both vehicles. Police were pleased to learn both vehicles were being driven by designated drivers (confirmed when both drivers blew into Approved Screening Devices.) Police explained the reason for the stop, which the group understood.
*Aug. 14, 9:20 p.m., 1100 block Tsatsu Shores: Police received an anonymous complaint regarding a beach fire on the Tsawwassen First Nations beach. On attendance, it was determined to be a portable propane fire. The owner of the propane fire pit was cooperative and, given the current wildfire situation in B.C., turned off the fire immediately. Reminder that no barbecues or open fires or flames are currently allowed on Delta beaches or parks.
*Aug. 15, 12:49 p.m., 1800 block 56th St: Complainant reported observing a vehicle doing donuts at the intersection. Police contacted the registered owner of the vehicle who confirmed he was driving. The driver stated that he was learning to drive standard and had tried to push the clutch in a few times, resulting in the vehicle burning out as he tried to correct his mistakes. Police suggested to the remorseful-sounding driver that he should practice in an empty parking lot until he is confident in driving his vehicle, as a matter of public safety.
Ladner
*Aug. 10, 4:33 p.m., 4600 block 72nd St: Complainants reported that a female in a nearby park was having a barbecue and flicking cigarette ashes. Police located the female who admitted to smoking, but showed police a metal cigarette extinguisher she uses to put out her cigarettes. The female showed police the barbeque, which did not appear as if it had recently been lit, and was advised that due to fire bans, people are rightfully on high alert in B.C.
*Aug. 11, 3:51 a.m., Deltaport Way/Arthur Drive: Police observed a vehicle conduct an illegal U-turn, before beginning to travel in the wrong lane. A traffic stop was immediately conducted, an Approved Screening Device demand was read, and the driver producing two breath samples, resulting in a “WARN”. The driver was served with an Immediate Roadside Prohibition and the vehicle was impounded.
*Aug. 14, 12:35 a.m., 5100 block 45th Ave: Complainant phoned police to report a loud party taking place. Police spoke with a resident, who advised that the party would immediately be shut down. However, at 2:52 a.m., police were called back to the residence for another noise complaint, and found the party had continued. Police issued the resident a bylaw infraction notice for “Noise that Disturbs in Public Place” and waited while the party-goers left.
*Aug. 14, 12:44 p.m., Elliot St/Ladner Trunk Road: Complainant reported that a male was aboard a bus wearing knife-like metal claws. Police located the bus, conducted a traffic stop, and removed the male from the bus, who was determined to be wearing costume jewellery, namely rings with pointed tips, designed to be decorative. The jewellery was not prohibited, nor was it being used as a weapon, and both the male and his friend were given a courtesy ride to another location after police explained the priority call for service, which they understood. The complainant was updated on the matter accordingly.
