After discovering a vehicle that had been stolen in Vancouver, New West police arrested a suspected car thief at a cheque cashing store in Burnaby.
A press release from the New Westminster Police Department states that members of its crime reduction unit located a stolen vehicle in the 300 block of Ash Street on Feb. 1. With help from the street crime unit, New West police later located and arrested the suspected car thief at a cheque cashing store in Burnaby.
According to the NWPD, in addition to the stolen vehicle, the suspect was in possession of credit cards that were not in his name.
“Auto thefts can be very complex and dynamic investigations,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver. “Members of the crime reduction unit and street crime unit did an excellent job of taking this driver safely into custody. This suspect can look forward to his day in court.”
According to the NWPD’s website, the primary function of the street crime unit is to proactively identify and respond to crime trends with a focus on property crime including break and enters, conduct drug investigations, and support the major crime unit. The crime reduction unit is responsible for apprehending suspects wanted on warrants, targeting and following up with weekly crime priorities, and providing operational support to all divisions within the NWPD.
Norvie Nativda, a 45-year-old New West resident, has been charged possession of stolen property over $5,000, breach of undertaking, breach of release order and unauthorized use of credit card data.
“While increased enforcement and targeting offenders is used to combat the problem of vehicle theft, the public can play a role in reducing auto theft by following vehicle theft prevention tips,” said a NWPD press release. “The New Westminster Police Department encourages residents to use an anti-theft device or steering wheel lock, to keep spare keys in a safe place, and to park in a secure and well-lit space.”
