IN the early morning hours of January 27, New Westminster Police officers were dispatched to a 9-1-1 call from an individual who reported that he had been chased by a male armed with a pipe after withdrawing cash from a bank’s ATM in the downtown area of New Westminster.
The suspect fled with the victim’s money. Officers rushed to the scene, but the suspect was not located. Thankfully, the victim escaped unharmed. The suspect is not known to the victim.
The suspect was described as a male, wearing a yellow jacket and a black medical-style facemask.
“This incident is upsetting and understandably, some people feel vulnerable using an ATM,” said Sgt. Justine Thom. “If you ever observe suspicious vehicles or people, leave the area and return during regular business hours. The presence of other customers and staff lowers the risk of these personal robberies occurring.”
The investigation remains ongoing and officers encourage anyone with information about the attack to call the New Westminster Police Department at 604-525-5411.