On December 16th 2019 at approximately 3:20pm, the New Westminster Police Department responded to the 300 block of Alberta Street after a resident reported a possible scam. The resident said that an adult male came to his door, behaving suspiciously and asking for money, claiming that he had been in a car accident.
The resident followed the suspicious male and noted that he was peering into yards, and approaching other doors, apparently asking more people for money stating that he was in a car accident.
The resident contacted the police who located and identified the male. Officers learned that the male was allegedly breaching several court ordered conditions relating to similar allegations from other cities in Metro Vancouver.
The male, a resident of Coquitlam, was arrested for breaching the conditions of his probation order and held in-custody to appear before a judge.
“Everyone wants to help people in need, especially around the holidays, and it is unfortunate when people take advantage of the good will of others,” stated Sergeant Jeff Scott. “We encourage people to donate to legitimate charitable organizations, and to report any suspicious people asking for money. Unfortunately, there are times when this is a scam.”