Vehicle Theft Warning + World Cup-Inspired Projects

Issue #496

Author

Carla McNeil
February 03, 2026

Inside the New West Spotlight

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 🗓️ New West Events - More can’t-miss moments ahead.

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 🗞️ New West Local News - Vehicle Theft Warning + World Cup-Inspired Projects

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Thank you, Rosemary - you’re awesome!

Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 9.3 2015 - Record low -4.0 2019, 2025

👀 Yesterday’s Tin Man post is still waiting. Think you can guess the spot?

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Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

February 03, 2026

📚️ Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Sharing Event – 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM

🧘 Yang Tai Chi 24 form – 5:00 PM

🎤 Ukulele Level 1 at Mechanics of Music Studio – 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

🍺 Steel & Oak Beer and Board Games – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎲 Howe Sound Hot B*tch Rock & Roll Bingo – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎭️ Notorious Grey Fox Trivia Tuesdays – 7:00 PM

🤖 Through Two Lenses: Human Insight & AI Vision – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎤 Itilia Kitchen Karaoke Nights – 8:00 PM

February 04, 2026

🍽️ S.A.M. #95 Annual Awards Banquet – 5:00 PM

🎨 Acrylic Pouring at Arrieta Art Studio – 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

🎤 Find Your Voice at Mechanics of Music Studio – 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

🧔‍♂️ Inperson Dark Horse Men’s Group Open Intake Meeting – 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM

❓️ Georgie's Local Trivia Night – 7:00 PM

🎶 Spice Wannabe: The Spice Girl Tirbute – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🏃 Steel & Oak Run Club – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Connect Youth (13+) – 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM

❓️Frankie G’s Trivia Night – 7:30 PM

February 05, 2026

👶 Babytime (0-12 months) – 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

💗 Chronic Conditions Self-Management Program – 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM

🍼 Baby Social (0-23 months) – 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

📝 Resume Clinic with BCNSP – 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM

📚️ Drop-in Wildfires Bookshop – 5:45 PM

🔢 Effective Tax Strategies – 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

🎨 Brush Hour Paint Night - Mushroom Forest – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

🎙️ Georgie's Local Karaoke Night – 7:00 PM

🎙️ The Terminal Pub Colossal Thursdays Karaoke – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎤 Notorious Grey Fox Open Mic Jam – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Image via Facebook

New Westminster Police are warning residents about an increase in thefts from vehicles across the city and are asking the community to stay alert and take simple steps to protect their belongings.

Police remind residents that many vehicle break-ins are crimes of opportunity. Leaving valuables visible—even briefly—can make cars an easy target. Items like bags, electronics, loose change, and tools should always be removed or locked out of sight, and vehicles should be locked every time, even when parked at home.

To help residents reduce the risk of theft, NWPD is encouraging everyone to review prevention tips from the Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team, which shares practical advice on how to safeguard vehicles and report suspicious activity.

Community awareness plays a key role in prevention. Sharing information and taking small precautions can make a big difference in keeping neighbourhoods safer.

Big opportunities are kicking off in New Westminster! The City is launching a special one-time Community Grants intake inspired by the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, with funding available for projects that bring together sport, culture, and community.

This grant intake is designed to support creative and inclusive ideas that celebrate connection, teamwork, and local pride. Whether you’re planning a community watch party, cultural celebration, sport-themed program, or a unique neighbourhood initiative, this funding could help turn your idea into reality.

Applications are open to a wide range of applicants, including individuals (with a co-applicant), community groups, non-profits, charities, service organizations, and eligible businesses. A detailed Community Grants Application Guide is already available to help applicants prepare.

The intake officially opens Sunday, February 1, with a submission deadline of March 16. If you know a group or organizer with a great idea, now’s the time to spread the word.

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌂 Why did the umbrella break up with the raincoat? 💔🧥 

💦 It wanted a little more coverage! ⛱️ 

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