Important safety message from New Westminster Police and Fire Departments

To our valued New Westminster residents,

We have been alerted to the installation of bars on bedroom and basement windows in city houses and apartment buildings. However, fire and building codes prohibit the use of bars and obstructions in windows and other emergency exits, as they pose a LIFE HAZARD. We at the New Westminster Police and Fire Departments urge you to remove all bedroom and basement window bars IMMEDIATELY. Bars not only pose safety risks to occupants in the home, but also to first responders should they need to get in during an emergency.

Safe and effective security alternatives are available -- please call the New Westminster Police Crime Prevention Unit at 604-529-2446, or contact a local locksmith for more information. If you have any other questions about window bars, please call the City of New Westminster Building Department at 604-527-4580.