New Westminster police say a break-and-enter reported Oct. 4 and a residential fire early the next morning are being investigated as connected, targeted incidents.
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New Westminster Police Department officers responded to a report of a break-and-enter at a home near York Street and East Eighth Avenue in the Massey Heights neighbourhood on Oct. 4, and investigators later focused on whether it was connected to a residential fire at the same address.
At 3:45 a.m. on Oct. 5, New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services responded to reports of a residential fire at the same home. Police say the incidents appear connected and that investigators are still working through the circumstances.
In a statement, NWPD Media Relations Officer Sgt. Andrew Leaver said investigators are exploring “the nexus between the break and enter reported the previous day and the fire that occurred early the next morning.” He added that, “at this stage, we believe both incidents were targeted rather than random.”
Leaver said there is currently “no indication of an ongoing risk to the public,” and that investigators are continuing to gather evidence and speak with witnesses.
Police say the residents were not home when the fire broke out, and there were no injuries reported in relation to the fire.
Anyone with information is asked to contact New Westminster police at 604-525-5411.
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