Tuesday October 9, 2012 (Vol. 37 No. 81)
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Making history: White Rock historian and author Lorraine Ellenwood receives congratulations from Mayor Wayne Baldwin on being given the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. › see page 11
Items yanked from older victims’ necks and wrists
Jewelry thief strikes Newton women Tracy Holmes Staff Reporter
Police are urging the public not to flaunt their valuables in public following a string of brazen jewelry thefts from women in Newton. It’s believed the same man may be responsible for the crimes, in which bracelets, necklaces and other jewelry were ripped from the necks and wrists of the victims. “It was jewelry that was definitely in plain
sight and therefore made it an easy target to grab and run,” Surrey RCMP Cpl. Bert Paquet said Friday. Four such incidents were reported between Sept. 23 and Oct. 2. All of them took place outside, in the afternoon hours, and “a little bit off the beaten path.” On three occasions, the suspect was seen leaving the area in a dark-coloured, older minivan. Paquet said police have not identified any pattern to the thefts beyond the fact that the
incidents appear to be crimes of opportunity against older women wearing clearly visible jewelry. They have not been isolated to one area of Newton. Paquet did not know the value of the jewelry taken, but said there is no indication that the thief is discerning between highand lower-end adornments. “Seems like they were attracted to shiny objects,” he said. No injuries were reported.
Descriptions of the suspect have been similar in each case: a Caucasian man in his 40s with a slim build and white hair. He was wearing blue jeans and a green shirt, and has been associated with a dark-blue/green, older-model mini-van. “Even in a public place, it’s an invasion of privacy. We’re taking this very, very seriously,” Paquet said. Paquet urged anyone with information to call police at 604-599-0502.
White Rock opens park
City goes to the dogs
Nick Greenizan photo
Ellie Frost, 8, smiles as Princess, a Pomeranian puppy, tries to squirm from her grasp as the pair pose for a photo, during the official opening of the off-leash dog area at White Rock’s Centennial Park Friday afternoon. The grand opening featured about 20 dog owners and their furry friends.
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White Rock’s mayor had a few choice words to share at Friday’s opening of the city’s first official dog park. “Woof,” Wayne Baldwin said with a grin, as he welcomed about 10 dogs and their respective owners to the new facility. Created in Ruth Johnson Park (14600 North Bluff Rd.), between the Mel Edwards building and the playground, the off-leash site was determined through consultation with interested parties, including some who have lobbied the city for such a facility for months. Amenities of the 37,000-squarefoot fenced ❝It’s just park include a doggy-bag wonderful.❞ dispenser and Eva Hompoth a board where pet owner visitors can post messages. Eva Hompoth, who has been a vocal advocate of such a park, was among guests invited to share in the occasion Friday. “It’s just wonderful,” she told Peace Arch News of what the city created. Baldwin predicted the park will be “a big hit.” “This works really well – the dogs seem to really enjoy it, and hopefully we all will, too.” The park is estimated to cost the city $20,000-25,000. – Tracy Holmes & Nick Greenizan
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