The Major Crimes Unit is now investigating after the New Westminster Police Department received a report of a second suspicious incident involving young girls.
On Monday, New West police issue warning after suspicious interaction between stranger and two girls and sought CCTV or dash-cam footage from the public that could help with that investigation. In that incident, which occurred on Saturday, Oct. 26 at about 11 a.m. in the 200 block of 11th Street, two 12-year-old girls were approached by a man driving a cargo van.
Today, police alerted the public to a second incident that had a similar interaction. That incident occurred on Thursday, Oct. 17 on Seventh Avenue, between Second and Fourth streets.
“Two young girls shared that they were walking along Seventh 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,” said the Oct. 31 news release. “The two girls ran away and told a trusted adult about what happened.”
The NWPD’s Major Crime Unit has now taken conduct of this investigation.
Police are asking anyone who has CCTV from Seventh Avenue on Oct. 17 to contact the New Westminster Police Department Major Crime Unit by calling 604-529-2430 or emailing [email protected].
Officers commended the girls for doing the right thing, which was to run to safety and tell someone they trust about what had happened, said the NWPD news release.
“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 911.
