ON October 28 the New Westminster Police Department informed the public about an investigation into a suspicious interaction that occurred on October 26 between a man driving a white van and two 12-year-old girls. Since that time, a second report has been made to police about a similar interaction that occurred on October 17 on 7th Avenue between Second Street and Fourth Street.
Two young girls said that they were walking along 7th Avenue at approximately 4:45 p.m., when a white cargo style van pulled next to them. The driver, described as a male with a dark complexion, opened the driver’s side door. The two girls ran away and told a trusted adult about what happened.
Police are requesting anyone who has CCTV from 7th Street from October 17 to reach out to the New Westminster Police Department’s Major Crime Unit by calling 604-529-2430 or emailing mcucrimetips@nwpolice.org. Officers would like to commend these girls for doing the right thing, which was to run to safety and tell someone they trust about what happened.
“It’s very concerning to police that this is the second suspicious incident involving a man approaching young girls,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver. “It’s not clear what the intentions of this man are and considering this is Halloween we want everyone to be extra vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to police.”
The New Westminster Police Department is asking parents and guardians to have conversations with their kids about their safety and what to do if a stranger approaches them. Officers would like to remind parents and youth that if they ever feel unsafe, they can call 9-1-1.
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