Paper-delivery man carjacked in Oak Bay

Police urge public to keep an eye out for wine-coloured 1999 Oldsmobile Alero

Oak Bay police are investigating the early Sunday morning carjacking of a 74-year-old Times Colonist delivery person.

After dropping off a newspaper at a home in the 900-block of Island Road, the delivery person was walking back to his parked car when a man in dark clothes pushed him up against the vehicle, threw him to the ground and took his keys.

The man drove off in the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero, leaving the paper carrier stunned.

“He didn’t even say a word. He just whacked me around and buggered off,” said the carrier, who did not want to give his name because the robber has the keys to his home. “I never even saw the guy,” he said, noting the robbery was over in seconds.

The man didn’t have a cellphone so he walked about two kilometres to the Oak Bay police station to report the crime.

He was not injured, but said Monday that he has a sore back.

Oak Bay police notified Victoria police, who went to the family home to tell his wife what happened.

“I didn’t close my eyes last night,” his wife said Monday morning. She said she’s terrified that the thief has their house keys. She said their apartment building has to be rekeyed.

Oak Bay Police Chief Andy Brinton said officers canvassed the neighbourhood and checked for surveillance footage.

“Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to identify anyone at this point,” Brinton said.

Police departments across Greater Victoria have been told to watch for the stolen vehicle.

The man, who has five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, said he has been a paper carrier for three years.

“I found out I was absolutely lousy at being retired,” he said.

He’s anxious to get back to his route, but has no car at the moment.

The Oldsmobile is a deep wine colour with B.C. licence plate FL3 07T.

Anyone with information is asked to call their local police department.