On Wednesday March 30th at approximately 1600 Hours, a teenaged female was walking in the area of Ross Drive and Royal Avenue when she was assaulted by an unknown male. The victim reports that as she walked along the sidewalk the suspect approached her, grabbed the sweater that was around her waist and tried to pull her away from the sidewalk.

The victim responded by swinging her shopping bag and striking the male in the face. The suspect released his grip and the victim ran from the area. The direction of the suspect’s direction is unknown. At 1625 Hours, the victim contacted the New Westminster Police Service. Officers searched the area of the assault and attended the victim’s residence.

Suspect Description:

• Caucasian male
• Thirty-thirty five years of age
• 5’2 tall
• 140 lbs.
• Clean shaven, short hair, blue baseball cap, black sweat shirt.

The investigation continues. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective R. Boyd at 604-525-5411 

The New Westminster Police are investigating an incident that occurred on Tuesday March 22nd in Moody Park. It is reported that at approximately 1300 Hours, the victim, a young teen female, was with her daycare group playing games near the parks south east corner when she observed a male sitting near others in the picnic table area.

As the youth continued to play she became separated briefly from her friends. The youth then noticed that the male was standing behind her. The male reportedly stated; ‘come with me’ repeating it twice. The youth said ‘no’ and ran back towards the daycare supervisor to report what had happened. The male then left the area heading southbound out of the park.

SUSPECT DESCRIPTION:

• Caucasian male
• 5’10
• slim to medium build
• late 40’s or early 50’s
• short style grey/white hair
• grey/white patch of hair on bottom of lip
• brown eyes
• deep voice
• dark brown khaki pants
• black ¾ length trench coat
• black ankle dress shoes
• dirty clothing smelling of garbage
• chipped broken, yellow stained teeth
• carrying a cell phone

The police were not contacted to attend the initial scene but patrols for the suspect were later conducted.

Should any member of the public have information regarding this incident, they are asked to please contact Detective Eamonn Ward at 604-529-2423
 

New Westminster has experienced an increase in reports of thefts of catalytic converters recently. In fact, nine cases have been reported to us in the past two months. Most noteworthy, seven of the victim vehicles are Toyota 4Runners. The other two are; Mazda MPV and, a Toyota Tacoma.

Why do thieves steal catalytic converters? Because they contain platinum. Platinum is a valuable metal that unscrupulous scrap dealers will pay $50 to $100 for. Why target Toyota 4Runners? Because their converters contain a high level of platinum and the vehicles high ground clearance makes it easier for thieves to access.

Replacing a vehicles catalytic converter is very expensive. This type of theft is on the rise across North America. Vehicle owners can make a difference in reducing this and other thefts involving vehicles.

What can you do to reduce the chances of being of victim of this crime? Practice the proven methods of theft prevention;

• Look for a well-lit, open area, near pedestrian activity if you’re parking outside.
• Lock your vehicle
• Invest in a good anti-theft device such as a vehicle immobilizer.
• Don’t leave any valuables in your vehicle.
• Never assume your vehicle won’t attract a thief.
• Avoid buildup of old insurance decals when applying new ones.
• Be sure to watch the gate close each time you leave or enter secure parking areas.
• Keep an extra key with you, not in the vehicle.
• Report suspicious people or activities to the police immediately

For more information on reducing thefts involving vehicles, contact the New Westminster Police Service Crime Prevention Unit at 604-525-5411 and, visit www.icbc.com/road-safety/prevent-autocrime/theft-proof

On March 21st at 2219 Hours, the New Westminster Police received a 9-1-1- call from the owner of a vehicle advising that an unknown person had just stolen his Dodge pickup truck from his residence in the Six-Hundred Block of Twelfth Street . Furthermore, the owner’s son had been following the stolen truck in another vehicle but had since lost sight of it.

Given the direction of travel, police officers stationed themselves accordingly. Constable Callaghan had taken a position near the One-Hundred Block of Eight Avenue when he observed a pickup truck drive past him at a high rate of speed. Constable Callaghan did not pursue the vehicle but did radio fellow officers and commenced searching the side streets North of Eight Avenue.

Meanwhile, a local resident in the Sinclair Street area observed a green pickup truck parked on the wrong side of the street and did not recognize it as a vehicle owned by nearby residents. The keen eye witness observed a male exiting the vehicle and while walking away, he tossed something on the ground. Believing that the vehicle was stolen, the witness phoned 9-1-1 just as Constable Callaghan drove into the area searching for the suspect.

The witness flagged Officer Callaghan down and pointed out the direction of the suspect. Callaghan immediately located the accused and arrested him without incident. Arrested is a Twenty-Three year old male, resident of Chilliwack BC. The accused was held for court, police are recommending charges of Theft over $5,000, Possession of Stolen Property and, Drive While Prohibited.

Police investigators are releasing the attached photographs that depict an item that was stolen during the recent break and enters in the Queensborough area. The pictures portray the very distinctive HSBC (Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation) gold plated $ 1000 HK bill which is housed in clear plastic display case. This is a very rare item and holds great sentimental value to the owner. 

We ask that anyone with information regarding this item or any New Westminster residential break-ins contact the New Westminster Police immediately. Detective Correa can be contacted at 604-529-2495. 
 

In the past three months, the Queensborough area has experienced an increase in the number of residential break and enters. Investigations have indicated that there may be as high as nine break-ins within a three month period. The break and enters are being investigated by our Patrol and, Major Crime investigators. 

We do not currently have a suspect(s) description however, we can advise that the trend follows a pattern of daytime break and enters wherein no occupants are in the residence at the time of the offence. Our criminal intelligence and forensic investigators have identified other similarities that are part of the on-going investigations. As has been experienced in the past, it may well be one individual that resides in another municipality and commits their crimes in New Westminster. Our investigators are working with other municipal police agencies to identify trends and suspect(s).

In addition to the ongoing criminal investigations, our patrol officers are conducting extra patrols in the Queensborough area, as are our volunteers from Citizens Crime Watch Patrol and our high visibility Bike Squad volunteers. We ask that if residents observe a suspicious person loitering in the neighborhood to please contact us immediately and, if a suspect is observed pushing, pulling or prying at a buildings door or windows, contact us by dialing 9-1-1. It is important that in either circumstance, the caller makes a quick mental note of suspect description, exact location, and any vehicles associated to the suspect etc. Most importantly, maintain the observation of a suspect from a safe and secrete distance and stay on the phone with our police personal.

Here are a few reminders that we should all practice when it comes to home safety tips;

• Knocking on doors or ringing doorbells is a common tactic for thieves. A doorbell or knock should not go unanswered as this gives the impression that your home is empty. Always use your eye viewer or a window to check who is at your door. Never open your door to a stranger. If a stranger does approaches your home, inquiry through your locked door, as to who they are. 
• Always lock up your home, even if you are leaving for a short time or working in your yard. When you are not paying attention, burglars can walk or climb in unlocked doors or windows and quietly exit your home with valuables. 
• Keeping a telephone list of important numbers near the phone is not just convenient, but a safety feature as well. Jot down phone number, such as police and the fire department, as well as, your neighbours. If you have to act quickly you can.
• Protect your windows, doors and patio doors by using a secondary locking device and ensure they are always in use. Consider upgrading older locks as insufficient locks can make your home more vulnerable. 
• To reduce the likelihood of a break and enter to your residence, do everything you can to make your home appear occupied when you are away: leave lights and a radio on timers, have the lawn mowed, and have newspapers and mail collected.
• Look at the trees or shrubbery located around your property. Consider trimming these back it they create a shield near windows and doors as burglars can use these areas to hide.
• Dark areas are crime attractors. Use some strategic lighting around the exterior of your home, such as using motion sensitive lighting at a tamper proof height. 
• Join your local Block Watch or Crime Free Multi-Housing Program as there a number of benefits of being in these programs. Contact New Westminster Police if you are interested in starting one of these programs in your neighbourhood or need additional information on home security. 

On February Twentieth at 2214 Hours, a complainant contacted the New Westminster Police Service to advise of witnessing a male breaking into vehicles parked in the Six-Hundred Block of Queens Avenue. Patrol officers immediately attended the area to set up surveillance.

Once in position, officers observed a male exiting the driver’s side of a parked vehicle and then open the vehicle trunk apparently checking for items. Police officers moved in, the suspect spotted the police officers and started to walk away. Officers arrested the male without incident.

Officers searched the parked vehicle and discovered that the steering column had been removed. Upon further checks of nearby parked vehicles, officers located a vehicle that had its passenger side window pulled outwards thus allowing entry into the vehicle.

Arrested was a Thirty-Four year old male of no fixed address. The accused, known to police, was held in custody awaiting court. Police are recommending charges of attempt theft of auto, mischief to auto and, breaching probation orders. 

On Wednesday February Sixteenth 2011 at 2024 Hours, a male entered the front lobby of the New Westminster Police Service asking for police assistance. The male, a Forty-Four old New Westminster resident, complained of experiencing emotional health issues and requested a member transport him to Royal Columbian Hospital. A police officer was assigned to transport the male as requested.

Upon arriving at Royal Columbian Hospital, the patrol officer exited his police vehicle and opened the backdoor for the male. The male got out of the vehicle walked a few feet and then turned back towards the officer and suddenly pulled out a large knife that he had concealed in his clothing. The male began walking forward, the officer un-holstered his sidearm and gave the suspect orders to drop the knife. The suspect failed to comply and continued walking towards the officer. The officer repeated commands to the suspect and simultaneously radioed for police assistance. Fortunately, the suspect eventually complied and dropped the knife. The suspect was handcuffed and arrested without further incident.

The accused, a Forty-Four year old New Westminster resident was arrested and held for court. Police are recommending charges of assault with a weapon and breaching probation conditions.

Yesterday morning in the area of 9th street and St Andrews while on the way to elementary school, a youth was approached by a man he described as being older, with a grey beard, wearing a green nike T-shirt and black baseball cap that had grey trim. The man was driving an older grey truck. When the vehicle pulled up this man told the youth to get in the truck, suggesting that it was really important. The youth ignored the man and kept walking. The older grey truck then drove off.

This is the second report that has been made to New Westminster Police since January involving a similar male and vehicle. New Westminster Police are asking parents to talk with their children and ensure they know what to do if approached by a stranger.

New Westminster residents are encouraged to come to the New Westminster Police office and receive a free “Child Safety Kit”. This kit provides excellent advice and information that parents will want to teach to their children.

If anyone sees a vehicle and occupant matching this description you are asked to record the licence plate number, and call the New Westminster Police.

On January 31, 2011, members of the Street Crime Unit of the New Westminster Police Service executed a search warrant at 332 Holmes Street, New Westminster, BC. Inside of the residence, 350 suspected marihuana plants were seized. The Municipal Integrated Emergency Response Team was used to serve the warrant.

A 19-year old male was found inside of the residence, taken into custody and later released. The matter is still under investigation.