New Westminster police receive report of 2nd suspicious incident involving white van driver approaching girls

The New Westminster Police Department (NWPD) says it has received another report of a suspicious incident involving a white van this month.

Last week, police say two 12-year-old girls were approached by a man driving a white van asking if the girls wanted to go for a ride.

In an update Thursday, NWPD say a similar interaction happened on Oct. 17 on Seventh Avenue between 2nd and 4th streets.

Police say two young girls were walking down that street around 4:45 p.m. when a white cargo-style van pulled up next to them.

The driver, a man, opened the door, and the girls ran off.

Officers are reminding parents and guardians to have conversations with their kids about what to do if a stranger approaches them.

“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 behaviour to police.””

Police are asking anyone who has CCTV footage from the time and location of the incident to please reach out to the New Westminster Police Department Major Crime Unit by calling 604-529-2430 or emailing mcucrimetips@nwpolice.org.