A 53 year old Sooke woman running a cleaning business was arrested today for fraud related offences by Saanich Police Financial Crimes investigators.
The multi-month investigation ended today with the arrest of Pauline Marjorie Francis. She was charged with offences including Uttering a Forged Document and Fraud. The investigation continues and further charges are being considered.
The items taken and used fraudulently are believed to have been obtained during the course of cleaning private residences.
Release conditions by a Justice of the Peace include:
– Not to clean any private residence
– Not to collect any monies for cleaning residences
– Not to advertise cleaning services
The home cleaning business was offered CRD wide. It is suspected that there may be more victims. If you believe you may have been a victim of a theft in a similar manner, please contact the Saanich Police Department and ask for the Financial Crimes section.
The Saanich Police encourage people to be cautious when hiring someone to do any work in your home. Ask for references and make sure you follow your ‘instincts’. Make sure that items easily taken and used fraudulently like credit cards, identification, personal cheques etc, are safely put away. For any further advice contact the Saanich Police Crime Prevention office.
10-19154