On December 26th, at 2:36 AM the 7-Eleven Store on 6th Street called New Westminster Police to report that two males had just robbed the store at knifepoint. Police responded and immediately deployed a police dog. The police dog managed to track both suspects to the 300 Block of 4th Street where they were arrested. The knife was recovered at the arrest scene, as well as items that were taken during the robbery. Two New Westminster adult males are now facing charged related to this alleged crime.

On December 28th at approximately 9:30 A.M. New Westminster Police Service received a call from staff at Peoples Drug Mart reporting an armed robbery that had just occurred. Two males dressed entirely in black with their faces also covered by black masks entered the store. They produced hand guns and demanded drugs from the pharmacy. A track by police dog ended nearby where it is believed the males departed in a vehicle. A vehicle described as a small silver pickup was seen leaving the area and is of interest to police to locate. New Westminster Police requests that any persons wittnessing this incident call 604-525-5411 to speak with investigators. The investigation is continuing.

On December 24th at 7:30 pm an upstairs resident of a home in the 1300 block of 4th avenue heard a smashing sound. Knowing that the downstairs resident was away, the upstairs resident called New Westminster Police and then went to investigate. Upon looking into the suite the resident discovered the glass entry door was smashed and further saw a male that was still inside the basement suite. This same male was subsequently arrested at the scene. The downstairs resident did return home a short while later to confirm the arrested male had no legitimate access to the residence and that items inside his suite had been placed into a bag ready to steal.

This alledged burglar was also wanted on warrants out of Vancouver and Victoria for similar offences. He was held for a bail hearing in the morning.

At 21:00 hours, New Westminster Police responded to several 911 calls reporting that a male had been stabbed in the 700 block of 5th Avenue. The incident reportedly began as a verbal dispute between two groups of males and escalated to a stabbing of a 23 year old Port Alberni male. The victim was transported to hospital where he underwent surgery for his injuries. A 17 year old New Westminster youth was arrested nearby and will appear in court from custody. The New Westminster Police Service Major Crime Unit has taken conduct of the investigation and is continuing to follow up all leads.

On December 18, 2010 at approximately 1140 PM New Westminster Police Service received a 911 call regarding a male in medical distress. Upon police arrival a deceased male was located inside a suite at 140 6th Street.

The scene was secured for New Westminster Forensic Investigation Section and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team to arrive to conduct the investigation.

New Westminster Police arrested a male at the scene and transported him to the nearby police office where he remains in custody.

The deceased is a 23-year-old male from the Sherbrooke QC area. The victim was wanted on a warrant for assault in the Sherbrooke area. Police will not be releasing the victims name until next-of-kin have been advised. Notification may take a few days as police have learned that Next-of-kin live in the state of Pennsylvania.

The suspect is a 32-year-old New Westminster man. The suspect is known to police.

At this early stage of the investigation this incident does not appear to have any links to gangs, drugs or organized crime. Although investigators have not yet made a clear determination regarding motive this incident appears to be a dispute between two parties known to each other.

The suspect will remain in custody until Monday when it is expected that he will make an appearance in New Westminster court. The suspects name will not be released until a charge has been approved by Crown Counsel.

Anyone with information is asked to leave a message on the IHIT tip line by calling 1-877-557-IHIT. If you wish to remain anonymous please call CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-800-222-TIPS, your anonymity is guaranteed.

Corporal Dale Carr
Integrated Homicide Investigation Team
Media Spokesperson
Office: 604-598-4609
Cell: 604-760-8020
Email: dale.carr@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

December normally brings an upswing in theft from vehicles and New Westminster is no exception to this ongoing Christmas trend. New Westminster has recently seen targeting of laptop computers, GPS’s, and IPods from private vehicles. Commercial vehicles have been targeted for their tools and equipment. The reality is, anything left in a vehicle is appealing to a thief. Remember, secured underground parking lots are only secure if the residents ensure no unauthorized persons enter their building.

Tips on Prevention:

• Always close and lock your doors and car windows.
• Never leave items such as garage openers or key fobs in vehicles. Once these items are stolen, thieves will have access to your home or apartment building.
• After opening an automatic parkade gate, watch out for thieves trying to sneak in. Wait for the door to close behind you.
• Do not leave any valuables visible. Take your belongings with you or hide them in the trunk before parking so that a thief does not see.

New Westminster Police and Fire Service responded this evening to a small fire at a Seniors Care Facility in the 200 block of Ross Drive. Sprinklers in the suite quickly extinguished the small fire although some resulting water damage did occur to the suites below. As a precaution a 100 year old resident was taken to Royal Columbian Hospital for smoke inhalation.

A three year old New Westminster boy was very lucky yesterday afternoon when struck by a vehicle travelling at a slow speed in the 200 block of 10th street. The child was dragged for approximately 10-12 feet. The child was transported to Royal Columbian Hospital and held overnight for observation but was well enough to be playing in his crib shortly after arrival at the hospital. The investigation is continuing.

On December 7th at 2244 Hours, a male entered the Best Buy store located on Boyd Street in New Westminster. A store employee observed the male walk to the games area of the store, select several video games and then tuck them underneath his jacket.

When the suspect attempted to leave the store the employee stood in his way to stop him. The suspect then pulled out a knife and slashed at the employee causing a cut to the employee’s hand. The suspect then ran out of the store.

A police canine unit tracked the suspect’s trail to a bus stop near Ewen Avenue at Fenton Street wherein the track ended.

The suspect is described as; a Caucasian male, thin build, wearing jeans, a dark green track jacket with white writing, black shoes and a black hat.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact the New Westminster Police Major Crime Unit.

On July 26, 2010, the Vancouver Police Department requested that the New Westminster Police Service conduct an investigation into an allegation that a VPD constable pushed a woman on Hasting Street, and, the actions of the two constables that accompanied him.

After a three month investigation, the New Westminster Police Major Crime Unit forwarded a report to Crown Counsel recommending a charge of assault against one of the police officers. Crown Counsel reviewed the investigation and on December 7th, 2010, a charge of assault was approved by Crown against Constable Taylor Robinson.

The Vancouver Police Department has been advised and the New Westminster Police Professional Standards Section is continuing with the Police Act portion of the investigation. The Office of the Complaints Commission has been advised of the investigation.

Constable Robinson joined Vancouver Police Department in March 2009, he has been reassigned to Administrative duties. A court date of January 10th, 2011 is pending.

On December 2, 2010, the New Westminster Police Service executed search warrants on two separate suites inside of 1210 Cameron Street, New Westminster. The warrants were the result of a 6-week long project that was conducted by members of the Street Crime Unit. The project was launched after numerous citizen complaints were received regarding drug dealing and suspicious activities in the 1200 block of Cameron Street. The investigation quickly focused on the suites located inside of 1210 Cameron Street.

The Municipal Integrated Emergency Response Team executed the search warrants which resulted in a firearm being seized as well as a quantity of suspected drugs. Five people were arrested on a variety of charges, including firearms offences.

Further charges are anticipated as the investigation continues.