2nd 'suspicious incident' involving man in white van reported in New Westminster, police say
For the second time this week, police in New Westminster are advising the public of a "suspicious incident" involving a white van.
On Monday, the New Westminster Police Department said two 12-year-old girls had been approached over the weekend by a man in a white cargo van in the 200 block of 11th Street.
"The driver asked if they wanted to go for a ride, which resulted in the girls immediately leaving to inform a trusted adult about the incident," the NWPD said in a news release at the time, adding that the incident occurred around 11 a.m. on Oct. 26.
On Thursday, the department said it had been advised of a second, similar incident, which occurred on Oct. 17.
In this incident, two girls were walking on Seventh Avenue between Second and Fourth streets around 4:45 p.m. when they were approached by a white cargo van, police said.
"The driver, described as a male with a dark complexion, opened the driver’s side door," the latest release reads. "The two girls ran away and told a trusted adult about what happened."
The NWPD said its Major Crime Unit has taken over the investigation. It is asking anyone with surveillance video recorded on Seventh Avenue on Oct. 17 to contact the unit by calling 604-529-2430 or emailing mcucrimetips@nwpolice.org.
"It’s very concerning to police that this is the second suspicious incident involving a man approaching young girls," said Sgt. Andrew Leaver in Thursday's release.
"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."
Police said the girls in both incidents did the right thing by running away and telling an adult, adding that parents should talk to their children about what to do if approached by a stranger.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Mounties in B.C. raid 'largest and most sophisticated' drug lab in Canadian history
Mounties in British Columbia have discovered the 'largest and most sophisticated' drug-production laboratory in Canadian history, federal investigators announced Thursday, describing the facility as a 'super lab' operated by international organized criminals.
'Doctors aren't always right': Alberta goes ahead with controversial transgender policies in 3 new bills
The Alberta government has tabled three bills that will change, among other things, how transgender youth and athletes are treated in the province.
Toronto mom charged with murder after baby dies in house fire: police
A 19-year-old mother has been charged with murder after her baby died in a house fire in Toronto last week, police say.
Investigation of B.C. escort accused of drugging, stealing from clients was 'sloppy' and 'reckless': judge
The investigation into allegations a B.C. woman drugged and stole from men who hired her as an escort – leaving one victim dead – was marked by "professional negligence, recklessness, and operational failures," according to a judge.
Quebec freezes two major immigration streams that provide path to permanent residency
The Quebec government has suspended applications for permanent residency from two immigration streams because it says it can no longer accommodate the rising number of newcomers.
Freddie Freeman: American MLB star with Canadian family roots makes World Series history
MLB star Freddie Freeman, a dual Canada-U.S. citizen, has made history as a member of the World Series winning Los Angeles Dodgers.
Are you in perimenopause? Here's what to look for, according to a doctor
Half of the world's population will undergo menopause if they live to middle age, but symptoms start occurring several years before that life change.
Charges laid after six-year-old boy fatally struck by school bus north of Toronto: police
A woman has been charged with dangerous driving causing death after a six-year-old boy was struck and killed by a school bus in Vaughan back in June, York Regional Police say.
Whistle Stop Cafe owner launches class-action lawsuit against Alberta government over COVID-19 restrictions
The owners of the Whistle Stop Cafe is suing the Alberta government for imposing mandates on businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.