Authorities in New Westminster are investigating a break-in and a fire at a local residence as deliberate acts targeting the property, according to the police.
Responding to a call about a break-in near York Street and East Eighth Avenue in the Massey Heights neighborhood on October 4, the New Westminster Police Department (NWPD) initiated an investigation.
Following that, on the early morning of October 5, the New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services rushed to the same location after receiving reports of a fire at the residence.
Investigators from NWPD suspect a link between the break-in and the fire. The investigation is still in its initial phase, with law enforcement actively trying to establish the connection between the two incidents.
Fortunately, no one was present in the house when the fire erupted, and there were no reported injuries associated with the incident.
The property suffered significant damage from the fire, as evidenced by a visible hole in the roof and multiple broken windows.
Sgt. Andrew Leaver, the Media Relations Officer, expressed, “Investigators are examining the relationship between the break-in reported the day before and the fire that transpired the following morning.”
He added, “We believe that both events were intentional rather than random. There is no current indication of a continued threat to the public, and our investigators are diligently collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses to gain a better understanding of the circumstances surrounding these incidents.”
Anyone with relevant information is urged to reach out to NWPD at 604-525-5411.
