At approximately 6:19 a.m. police received a 911 call reporting a break and enter in progress to a convenience store on the corner of 12^th St and 6^th Ave. The suspect was observed using a metal pipe on the door of the store, trying to gain entry. Using the pipe, he was able to break a large glass door and window but fled prior to entry. The 56 year old male suspect was apprehended a short distance away by the police service dog and charged with Break and Enter and Mischief. The suspect still had the metal pipe in his possession. The accused is a New Westminster resident.

In the past three months, the Queensborough area has experienced an increase in the number of residential break and enters, and four more incidents occurred in the month of February. 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.

 

The trend follows a pattern of daytime break and enters wherein no occupants are in the residence at the time of the offence. The Criminal Intelligence Unit and Forensic Identification Section 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 police agencies to identify trends and suspect(s). A media release has been issued, the Block Watch Program has been notified, and Citizen Crime Watch has been deployed to assist in communicating and responding to this increase in Break and Enters in this area.

 

Police were dispatched to the Royal Columbian Hospital to speak with a male victim regarding a road rage incident. Upon arrival, the victim advised he was driving his truck northbound over the Patullo Bridge when he observed a newer model black Honda Civic driving at a high rate of speed, cutting in front of other vehicles. The Honda eventually cut in front of the male's truck, almost causing a collision. The male followed the Honda and when both vehicle's eventually stopped at a red light at Braid and Brunette he got out his vehicle and approached the driver of the black Honda. The unknown male driver of the Honda opened his door and swung his fist at the victim, making contact with his left hand. The male suffered a large laceration on his thumb and observed the other male with a small (2-3 inch) knife in his hand. The male got back into his vehicle as the other male drove away eastbound towards Highway #1. The victim received 8 stitches for his lacerated thumb.

Police received a report of a male breaking into vehicles on Queens Avenue between 6th Street and 7th Street. Police observed a male exit the driver side of a white Plymouth Acclaim and look through the trunk of the same vehicle. The suspect observed police and began to walk away but was quickly arrested. The steering column had been removed inside the vehicle. Members were also updated that the front passenger side window on a White Honda Accord had been pulled outwards to allow entry to the vehicle. The 33 year old male of no fixed address,was placed under arrest for Attempt Theft of Auto and Mischief, as well as two counts of Failing to Comply with the Conditions of his Probation Order and he was held for court. This is another good example of excellent assistance from members of the community reporting crime in progress.

Police responded to a report of a Break and Enter in progress at 0645 a.m., called in by the resident who stated he found a male who had just broken into his house and was still in his livingroom. Further information was the suspect had also assaulted him. Members were met by the complainant outside who confirmed the suspect was not seen exiting and possibly still in the residence. After setting up containment on the house, through an open basement window, the suspect was seen inside and verbal commands were given. The suspect complied and exited through the window and taken into custody. A 51 year old New West resident is charged with Break and Enter and Possession of Stolen Property.

Operational Support Unit (OSU) members continue to perform high-visibility mobile and foot patrols, street checks, and nuisance by-law enforcement throughout the city, with particular attention to the downtown/uptown areas of New Westminster. Although the cooler fall/winter temperatures have greatly reduced the overall street activity, homeless camps were still an issue in various pockets throughout the city. There were numerous meetings involving Strategic Services with the property representatives to jointly tackle each homeless camp hotspot.

OSU continue to review all Theft from Auto (TFA) files as part of a strategy to ensure any patterns or possible suspects may be quickly identified and apprehended. In addition, OSU members were deployed in plainclothes for a few evening shifts in an effort to reduce the number of TFA incidents.

The OSU members continued to assist the local Probation Office by performing curfew/address checks on their clients and other clients residing in New Westminster. Numerous checks were performed throughout the month.