Warning to REALTORS® leads to arrests
An alert REALTOR® aided by close communication between the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) and police outfits in two provinces recently led to the arrests of two alleged con artists.
On April 2 the Commercial Crimes division at the Calgary Police Service contacted the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) about two suspected con artists operating in Metro Vancouver. This prompted the board to issue an email alert to the over 9,600 REALTORS® in its association.
Within 24 hours, a REALTOR® informed REBGV staff that an individual matching the description and alias outlined in the alert had enquired about a high-end property in West Vancouver. This information was relayed to local authorities who ultimately arrested both suspects. Police are currently preparing to transport the individuals to Calgary to face charges.
“The quick communication of the real estate board and the alertness of its members were instrumental in the capture of these individuals,” said Detective Lorne Ferguson of the Calgary Police Service.
These suspects were wanted on Canada-wide warrants for crimes allegedly committed in the Calgary area.
“This incident demonstrates how our association through various program, such as Realty Watch, is able to relay critical information on everything from missing children to police alerts to our REALTORS® out in the community,” said Dave Watt, REBGV president.
Editor’s Notes: Realty Watch is a community crime prevention program operating across the Lower Mainland. Over 12,000 REALTORS® assist police as extra eyes and ears in their communities. Police use this service to enlist the support of REALTORS® to find missing children, seniors or individuals in harm’s way.
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver is an association representing more than 9,600 REALTORS®.
For more information please contact:
Craig Munn, Assistant Manager, Communications
Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver
Phone: (604) 730-3146 Fax: (604) 730-3102
E-mail: cmunn@rebgv.org