How do I...
If the crime you are reporting is an emergency, call 9-1-1.
If the crime you are reporting is not an emergency, you can call the non-emergency line at 604-525-5411 or attend our Front Counter at 555 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC.
New Westminster – The New Westminster Police Department is warning the public about theft involving fake gold jewelry. On March 18th at approximately 3:00 pm a senior citizen was approached as she was in the 1700 block of 7th Avenue. The fraudster who approached this woman was accompanied by a man who drove a grey Mazda SUV. The fraudster engaged the victim in brief conversation before giving the victim fake gold jewelry and stealing the real jewelry worn by the victim. The stolen jewelry included a necklace and two bracelets with an approximate value of $3,000.
The New Westminster Police Department is investigating and asks anyone to come forward if they have information that could lead to the identification of the suspect.
This is in addition to a separate incident that occurred on April 9th where a woman attempted to steal a gold necklace from another woman before fleeing the area. This occurred in the 100 block of 8th Street at approximately 11:00 am.
Fraudsters are perpetrating several different scams involving fake gold jewelry. The fake gold is at times sold for cash, and sometimes it is used to distract people while their real jewelry is stolen. Fraudsters are known to approach people, often seniors, in public places like on the street, in parking lots, or directly outside retirement homes. They have been known to be overly friendly and may hug the victim as way to get close enough to steal the jewelry. Police recommend you be especially aware of people trying to touch you unnecessarily. Additionally, police ask that care givers of seniors remain vigilant at all times.
“We’ve been made aware about people selling jewelry and offering to accompany seniors to ATMs so they can withdraw cash to purchase the jewelry,” stated Sergeant Andrew Leaver. “If you see suspicious activity like this we encourage you to call 9-1-1. That’s very likely to be a theft in progress.”
If you have been a victim of theft, please report it to the New Westminster Police Department by calling 604-525-5411.
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MEDIA CONTACT PERSON: Hailey Finnigan
EMAIL: communications@nwpolice.org
