Surrey cops credit citizen for helping nab Christmas Grinch
By Contributor
Surrey RCMP is crediting an alert citizen for helping them successfully arrest a Grinch.
On Dec. 15 around 12 p.m., the Surrey RCMP were dispatched to a report of a suspicious person going door to door in the area of 126th Street and 67B Avenue. The complainant called police after a male came to her door asking for donations to the BC Food Bank.
The complainant, who believed the male may be up to no good, called the Surrey RCMP and provided an accurate description of the male, stating he was approximately 40 years of age, wearing a black jacket, jeans, and carrying a black umbrella.
Officers conducted patrols and immediately located a male matching the description given by the complainant a block away. The male was wearing a white tag which stated BC Food Bank Association. The male had no accreditation or contact information for his alleged employer.
“As if not in enough trouble already, the male also provided a false name to the officers at the scene,” says Surrey RCMP Cpl. Bert Paquet
The 36-year-old male from Delta was eventually arrested for fraud and obstruction after admitting his actions were fraudulent. He has since been released from custody and is due to appear in Surrey Provincial Court later in January 2013.
“This citizen did exactly what we recommend in these types of situations,” says Paquet. “Her timely call and good description were keys to locating and apprehending this fraud artist.”
Police are reminding the public this holiday season to keep an eye on suspicious persons who come to their doors claiming to be from a charity or association and to report them. If it looks suspicious it probably is. Always ask for proper accreditation and if in doubt contact the alleged organization. Local food banks do not canvass door to door.
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