Police responded to a report of damage to the laundry machines at an apartment in the 1300 block 8th Ave.

 

In this particular case, there was no video surveillance or witnesses. Nothing was suitable for fingerprints. 

 

This occurrence however, is one incident of several that have occurred recently in New Westminster, following a similar increase in Burnaby. A suspect has been identified and was arrested for outstanding warrants and remains in custody at the time of this report. Through fingerprints raised at other scenes, 9 new charges have been submitted against this accused by the NWPS. The suspect identified through the Burnaby RCMP is being monitored by the Operational Support Unit. In the week prior to this report, there have been no new laundry room break-in reports.

The New Westminster Police received a call for assistance from the Surrey RCMP for assistance to a 59 year old male stranded on a log on the Fraser River. He had been on the log overnight and had started a fire to keep warm. The Marine Unit attended, the male was arrested under the Mental Health Act by the RCMP and transported to hospital. A second call for Marine Unit assistance was received from the Coast Guard regarding the observation of a body in the river. The ‘body’ was located and determined to in fact be a sleeping bag.

Patrol members were dispatched to a report of cyclist struck by a motor vehicle. Upon arrival paramedics were already on scene working on the unconscious cyclist. The investigation indicated that a male was driving his vehicle northbound on 9^th Street when he struck a cyclist who was travelling westbound along 5^th avenue. Witness information indicated that the cyclist was not wearing a helmet and had failed to stop for a stop sign at the intersection. The cyclist suffered a significant injury to his head and was transported to hospital by ambulance. The Collision Analysis Team and Ident Section were assigned to the investigation. Further information received from hospital was that although the male was expected to survive he had suffered a fractured skull, significant bleeding to his brain and a broken neck (not expected to cause paralysis). It was also determined that the driver of the vehicle was not under the influence of alcohol.

A victim called police to report that a male associated to a grey Ford Taurus had just broken into his vehicle. The victim had confronted the suspect who apologized for breaking into the vehicle and stealing his cd's and purse, which he then returned to the victim. The subsequent forensic examination resulted in a suspect being identified. Through this identification, the accused was charged with theft from auto and mischief related to this incident as well as breach of probation as he had a condition not to be found in a motor vehicle. Charges are recommended against a 35 year old Surrey resident, who was arrested in Vancouver six days later driving a different stolen vehicle.

Responding to a report of suspicious activity on the Fraser River, members attended and observed two males out on the water towing boats to a houseboat located on the Delta side in a slough. This houseboat is known to NWPS and the occupants have been suspected to be involved in property crime. During the ongoing investigation,   two males left the houseboat in a small skiff with an outboard motor travelling at ‘full throttle”. Witnesses on shore observed this boat drive straight into a log and flip over causing the two males to land in the water. Police rescued the suspect who could not swim while the other suspect was observed by witnesses swimming to shore with his dog and running on foot. 

 

To assist with the execution of the search warrant, the Coast Guard attended the location of the houseboat with their hovercraft and between approximately $30,000 and $40,000 of what is believed to be stolen property has been seized from the barge, transported to land, itemized and stored. There were 75 items in total.   A media release was made explaining the type of property seized in an attempt to identify any possible owners.    Three individuals were arrested on scene and released pending court.

 

This was a very dynamic complex investigation conducted in a very unusual environment. It is expected that this police action will have a positive impact on this Fraser River property crime spree.

 

OSU members continued to perform high-visibility mobile, bike and foot patrols, street checks, and nuisance by-law enforcement throughout the city, with particular attention to the parks and downtown/uptown areas of New Westminster. The transition to the warmer and dryer spring weather conditions has increased the nuisance activity on the streets and in the parks.

 

The homeless patrols of the known hotspots have become less frequent due to the lack of necessity for them as fewer homeless camps are being located.

 

OSU continued to review all Theft from Auto files as part of a strategy to ensure any patterns or possible suspects may be quickly identified and apprehended.  

 

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.

 

The Lacrosse season is well under way, and aside from the odd minor problem at the Intermediate A games, no major problems have been noted. OSU members have been in attendance at all Intermediate A games, and LCLA violations tickets continue to be issued. 

 

OSU members frequently assisted the patrol watches with their call loads during busy portions of their shifts and during minimal shift strengths.

 

OSU members flexed their schedules to align with the NHL play-off games to provide uniformed support to the patrol watches during the games.

 

OSU members assisted with the May Days festival, the Hyack Parade, and also organized a bike rodeo and safety demonstration for Queensborough Days.