Tech

Burnaby RCMP address fears sparked by social-media posts about abductions

by Craig Takeuchi on January 17th, 2020 at 3:00 PM
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      One month after viral social media posts created alarm in the Fraser Valley, a Metro Vancouver police force is attempting to quell concerns after a similarly unsubstantiated social media post is sparking fears in the Lower Mainland.

      In a series of tweets, Burnaby RCMP stated on Twitter today (January 17) that they have become aware of social media posts that claim that alleged criminals are using a variety of means, including dollar bills tainted with drugs, to distract women and then coerce them to get into vehicles in Burnaby.

      After reviewing all investigations, Burnaby RCMP stated that they haven’t been able to find any reports supporting these claims.

      This information has previously been circulated in the United States and appears to be a hoax.

      Anyone who has experienced any incidents like the ones described is asked to contact Burnaby RCMP immediately.

      The circulation of these social-media posts coincide with the disappearances of two females in their 20s from Burnaby on January 9 and 10.

      Burnaby RCMP had confirmed to the Georgia Straight that their disappearances were not connected. One 25-year-old woman has already been located and is safe, while the other 23-year-old female remains missing.

      Last month, the Abbotsford Police Department (APD) stated on Facebook that they became aware of alarming social media posts that had gone viral. The posts from unverified sources made claims about attempted abductions, sex rings, and strangers attempting to enter vehicles.

      However, the APD told the Georgia Straight that all of these claims remained unsubstantiated and they had not received any reports about them from citizens. APD spokesperson Sgt. Judy Bird also offered advice on related issues, such as what to do when concerned about social media posts, reporting information to police, and more.

      You can follow Craig Takeuchi on Twitter at @cinecraig or on Facebook. 
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      Craig Takeuchi

      @Cinecraig

      The urban beastie otherwise known as Craig Takeuchi is a UBC BA (art history/film studies) and MFA (Creative Writing program, with a screenplay thesis) graduate who has had his fiction and non-fiction work published in numerous local and national publications. He's covered a wide range of topics...

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