Trail RCMP say a local youth has been targeted by an online extortionist over a nude photo.
Police say they were contacted Friday after the youth connected with an unknown suspect by social media. The youth was convinced to take and send a nude photo to the suspect, who then began demanding money.
The youth sent $20 electronically, but their parent was alerted to the transaction and got involved. The youth and their parent went to RCMP, who advised deleting the social media account and blocking the suspect. The money, however, can’t be recovered.
“Our young people can get themselves into difficult predicaments when using social media,” Sgt. Mike Wicentowich said in a news release.
“In this case, the parent was able intervene and report the matter to police. Please take a moment to speak to your children about the consequences of sending sensitive photographs to others. Once a photograph enters the digital realm, it can never be undone.”
Porch pirate poaches package
Police say a package was stolen off a porch in the 900 block of Spokane Street. They were called Friday evening.
The package owner had confirmation from the delivery company that the package was delivered. When she went to retrieve it from her porch, she found it was gone. The woman received a refund from the company.
Police offer the following tips to avoid falling victim to porch pirates:
- Plan for deliveries by tracking your package to reduce time left outside on a porch or in a mailbox.
- Have packages delivered to a safe location or person, or into a secure drop box.
- Request that all packages require a signature upon delivery ensuring they end up in the right hands.
- Send packages to your work location if allowed.
Nitrous oxide gas abuse leads to seizure
Police say they responded to a report early Saturday a young man in medical distress after consuming laughing gas in a home in the 1900 block of Second Avenue.
They say the man’s use of the gas may have triggered a seizure that reportedly lasted upward of 45 minutes before emergency services were contacted and arrived.
The man was taken to hospital for assessment and treatment.
Police say recreational use of laughing gas carries a high risk of severe side effects.
