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.
New Westminster – New Westminster Police Department is warning shoppers not to give car prowlers any early Christmas presents this December.
Some New Westminster families have already felt the sting from recent auto thefts.
“One family informed us they had $1000 of toys for their children stolen from their car,” said Media Relations Officer Acting Sergeant Jeff Scott. “Considering this is only a couple weeks from Christmas, it’s very upsetting.”
Criminals are counting on people to underestimate the threat of auto crime. Many of the recent incidents have been in parking lots, where shoppers go to their vehicles to drop off purchases and then return to the mall for more shopping.
“It’s just a quick smash and grab. Thieves come up, it takes them less than a few seconds to break your window and take whatever is sitting there and be gone,” said Scott. “You’re better off to go home, unload your stuff and then go out and do your second shopping.”
There will be increased police visibility in mall parking lots throughout December to discourage car prowlings. But the most important thing shoppers can do is take their valuables out of their cars. The reality is, anything left in a vehicle is appealing to a thief.
If you have found yourself to be victim of theft please call the non-emergency line at 604-525-5411. If you are witnessing a theft from auto please call 911.
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