How do I...
If the crime you are reporting is an emergency, call 9-1-1.
If the crime you are reporting is not an emergency, you can call the non-emergency line at 604-525-5411 or attend our Front Counter at 555 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC.
The New Westminster Police are reminding the public to be extremely careful when purchasing items off of the internet from unknown vendors.
On March 22nd, 2013 at approximately 12:30 pm, a 47 year old male victim agreed to meet another male in the 1900 block of 7th Avenue after responding to a Craigslist ad to purchase an iPhone. When the victim arrived in the area, a male suspect attempted to lure the victim to the rear of a residence to complete the transaction. When the victim did not agree, the suspect pulled a knife and demanded cash from the victim. Fortunately the victim was able to flee on foot and did not lose any money. Despite an extensive search by NWPD members the suspect was not located.
The suspect in this incident is described as follows:
– Indo-Canadian Male
– 27-30 years of age
– 6’2” tall
– Athletic build
– Short dark hair
– Stubble
– Wearing blue jeans and carrying a black pack
It was fortunate in this case that no one was injured. Again, the NWPD would recommend some basic safety precautions be taken whenever meeting someone to purchase items found on the internet:
- Never meet sellers alone or in isolated locations. Bring along a friend and always let friends and family know where you will be. Always insist that the meeting take place in a public place with other people around (shopping malls, coffee shops etc).
- Do not make arrangements to meet people at your own residence, and do not provide personal, credit card or banking information to people you do not know.
- Refrain from paying for items until they have been personally inspected.
- Use caution when buying expensive items. Make all attempts to verify the authenticity of the items before you make the purchase. Use common sense, if the seller is not willing to assist you in your efforts or provide certain documentation then it is likely the items have been obtained through illicit means.
