Victoria police ‘debunk’ posts about ‘red van kidnapping attempts’

VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) — Victoria police are the latest B.C. department to issue a public statement “debunking” social media posts about attempted abductions of women by someone driving a van.

On Friday, the Victoria Police Department addressed online posts describing “red van kidnapping attempts” in that city.

“We have received several inquiries about these reports which are circulating in local groups on social media sites, like Facebook, Instagram and NextDoor,” the statement reads.

“At this time, all indications are that this circulating information is a hoax.”

A spokesperson for police in Victoria says if officers were made aware of a rash of abductions or attempted abductions, they would not withhold that information from the public.

“Do know that if we were aware of ongoing attempts to target and kidnap women by a vehicle prowling the streets, we would be loudly sharing that information far and wide to warn our community.”

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In the past week, both the Coquitlam RCMP and the Abbotsford Police Department have issued similar responses to online posts in those communities.

The Mounties, in particular, faced a swift backlash for characterizing the online reports as “rumours.” Women’s groups and advocates have pointed out that women may post to social media because they do not trust the police to take them or their safety concerns seriously.

Police are asking anyone who sees something suspicious, who feels unsafe, or who has been a victim to call them.

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