Police officers are taking steps to keep themselves and others safe during the COVID-19 crisis.
So says Comox Valley RCMP spokesperson, Const. Monika Terragni, who added that officers routinely have to take precautions due to contacts with people and communicable diseases.
“Our members deal with exposure to bodily fluids and other hazards regularly, so our training and procedures have always focused on reducing those risks (ie. we plan, prepare, prevent and protect),” Terragni said.
Terragni added the valley has not seen any notable increase in crime since the pandemic began.
“However, as this pandemic evolves there are always people who try to take advantage of the situation,” she added.
“Several COVID-19 scams have already been identified.”
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is reporting that scammers are setting up websites to sell bogus products and using fake emails, texts, and social media posts as a ruse to take your money and get your personal information.
READ MORE: Fraudsters preying on coronavirus fears, warns RCMP
As well, The Comox Valley RCMP’s Community Police Office is now closed until further notice.
Police won’t be doing front counter services including fingerprinting, criminal record or police information checks, and found property.
READ MORE: Comox Valley RCMP closes Community Police Office
Terragni added that the local force is encouraging you to make reports online using its new online reporting tool. You can find the tool here.
She said this will ensure physical distancing “and still allow for accurate reporting and resource deployment.”
