Domestic violence reports down, break-ins to businesses, cars up in New West since COVID-19: police
Posted April 27, 2020 8:00 pm.
Last Updated April 27, 2020 8:01 pm.
NEW WESTMINSTER (NEWS 1130) — Crime patterns have changed in New Westminster since health measures were put in place to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The force says it is receiving fewer domestic violence calls, which is not necessarily a good thing.
“Our concern with self-isolation is that it may keep victims of domestic violence from reaching out for help; they may be having problems notifying us.”
According to the New Westminster Police Department, home break and enters are down 54 per cent, while break-ins to businesses are up by 8 per cent.
Property crime in general has gone down almost 20 per cent from six weeks ago.
Some insight into how crime has changed in #NewWest since the COVID-19 public health orders. https://t.co/bTfBINHGPQ pic.twitter.com/85lmuKAYk3
— New Westminster Police Department (@NewWestPD) April 27, 2020
“These statistics reflect how we’re living right now,” Acting Chief Constable Dave Jansen said in a release.
“This reduction in crime could be attributed to physical distancing, people spending more time at home, and the numerous different public health orders.”
Cases of items being stolen out of vehicles have risen by 38 per cent, and police are reminding those who live and work in New Westminster to lock their cars at night and park in well-lit areas.
Thefts from cars can be reported online.
