Police step up presence in downtown New Westminster, B.C., after series of ‘concerning’ incidents

A photo shows the back of a New Westminster police officer's jacket. (Twitter, New Westminster Police Department)

People in New Westminster, B.C., should expect increased police presence in the city’s downtown core as officers look to improve public safety amid a spate of recent incidents.

The temporary redeployment program will see members of the New Westminster Police Department’s Crime Reduction and Gang Suppression units conducting uniform and plainclothes patrols downtown, either via bike, vehicle or on foot, according to a statement from the NWPD.

The stepped-up presence is in response to an increase in assaults, robberies, thefts and mischiefs in the area, alongside “several recent incidents of concern,” including two random stranger assaults and a stabbing, said police.

“We have seen a number of serious incidents downtown in the last few weeks and we have been hearing from many members of the public and businesses in the community who have concerns about safety in the area,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver.

“We will be redeploying members to focus on the downtown core to ensure that public safety remains a priority.”

Chief Const. Paul Hyland, describing the recent incidents and increase in crime as “concerning,” said the plan is a “direct and focused response” and a sign of the NWPD’s ongoing commitment to community safety.