New Westminster police to deploy more officers downtown following multiple attacks

In response to a series of violent events recently, the New Westminster Police Department (NWPD) says it is launching a “temporary redeployment plan” in order to address safety concerns.

Just in the past two months, New Westminster’s downtown area has seen a shooting, two stabbings, and multiple assaults.

“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 community who have concerns about safety in the area,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver.

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Police say this plan will include keeping more officers present downtown working alongside Metro Vancouver Transit Police.

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

NWPD says members from other units like crime reduction, traffic safety, and gang suppression will be on walking around, as well as patrolling on bikes and in police cruisers as part of the plan.

Police say they will reassess whether the redeployment plan is still needed at the end of May.