Most weeks, Crime Watch will collect what police have actually put on the public record. This month, official notices from North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP and Ladysmith RCMP include a Halloween candy warning, a serious assault investigation in Maple Bay, and a public appeal after an alleged indecent act near the Nanaimo River.
We are not filling the gaps with rumour, social-media posts or unnamed tips. If a fact is not in a public release or on an official agency page, it is not in this roundup.
A needle in Halloween candy
On November 5, North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP issued a warning after a sewing-like needle was found in Halloween candy. Police said the needle was found before anyone was hurt. The child had been trick-or-treating in the area of Lane Road, specifically between Drinkwater Road, Herons Way, Highfield Road and Westview Street. Police asked parents to check all candy and to report anything suspicious to Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522.
A serious assault in Maple Bay
On October 27, North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP said they were investigating a serious assault in Maple Bay in the early morning of October 26. Frontline officers responded at about 4:50 a.m. to a report of a serious assault in the area of Donnay Drive and Adams Road. Constable Tessa McDonald, a media relations officer for the detachment, said investigators were continuing to gather evidence and speak with witnesses, and asked anyone who was in the area, or who may have CCTV or dash-camera footage, to contact police. The release said there was no ongoing risk to public safety. Anyone with information is asked to call 250-748-5522 and quote file 2026-18031.
An alleged indecent act near the Nanaimo River
On October 27, Nanaimo RCMP issued a release on behalf of Ladysmith RCMP, file 2026-3583, after a woman reported observing an adult male allegedly commit an indecent act at about 3 p.m. on September 7, while she was recreating near the Nanaimo River, just north of Spruston Road, close to the boundary between the two detachments. Investigators released a composite sketch and a description, and asked anyone who was in the area between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. that day, or who may have information, to contact Ladysmith RCMP at 250-245-2215.
How to reach Cowichan Valley RCMP
- In an emergency, call 9-1-1.
- North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP non-emergency: 250-748-5522.
- Ladysmith RCMP non-emergency: 250-245-2215.
- To remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers can be reached at 1-800-222-8477.
Sources: North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP, Nov. 5, 2026; North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP, Oct. 27, 2026; Nanaimo RCMP / Ladysmith RCMP, Oct. 27, 2026.
