New Westminster Police issue warning about criminals impersonating officers

POLICE are issuing a warning about criminals who impersonated New Westminster Police Department officers in order to defraud a senior citizen.

From what investigators have learned, it is believed that multiple people posing as police officers spoke to a senior citizen at her home and manipulated her into handing over several credit and debit cards which were later used to make fraudulent purchases.

This investigation is in the early stages and police are in the process of conducting interviews and sourcing CCTV footage of the suspects.

“This is deplorable criminal activity targeting vulnerable people who badly need their hard-earned savings and pension income by exploiting their trust of the police,” said Media Relations Officer Sgt. Andrew Leaver. “I’d like to speak to these criminals directly: ‘You should turn yourself in today.’”

Residents of New Westminster are asked to speak to friends and family members about this scam. The New Westminster Police Department would like to remind residents that before they open their front door to someone who is claiming to be a police officer they can confirm the legitimacy of that claim by calling 9-1-1. Call takers will let you know if police officers have been sent to your location.

If members of the public have information they believe will help investigators they are requested to reach out to the New Westminster Police Department at 604-525-5411 and reference file 2024-5516.