Photo: contributed
Sup. Dear Triance
It seems that the criminal element of our society, like us, longed for a “return to normalcy” after the pandemic.
This is confirmed by the latest crime figures from the Kelowna RCMP detachment.
In her quarterly report for Monday’s town hall meeting, Kelowna RCMP superintendent. Kara Triance paints a picture of the rise in crime in most statistical categories.
Many of them had shown a drop for much of 2020 and into 2021.
“Statistically, in parallel with society’s returns to the post-pandemic lifestyle, a comparison of Kelowna’s RCMP in the first quarter of 2022 with the first quarter of 2021 indicates a return to crime rates against the pre-pandemic property, “Triance said in a statement.
If we compare the first three months of this year with the same period in 2021, shoplifting has increased by 63.3%, business disruption by 13.2%, residential disruption by 15% and car theft 47.8%.
Triance indicated that car theft is often a crime of opportunity, which includes unlocked or idling vehicles.
It is also observed that a large number of property-related crimes are committed by a small number of criminals.
“In the first quarter of this year, 149 cases were attributed to a relatively small number of prolific criminals, many of whom require a response from various agencies.”
A separate report seeking provincial solutions for prolific criminals stated that one offender in particular was responsible for more than one police case per week for the past six years.
While most property crimes peaked dramatically, there were also dramatic declines in vehicle thefts (19.3%) and bicycle thefts (32.3%).
Drug trafficking offenses fell sharply, but Triance attributed it to a change in federal enforcement and prosecution policies.
Traffic violations also fell from 1,052 to 316 due to a temporary redistribution of traffic services resources to cope with pressures related to service calls, workloads and human resources.
Triance indicated concern over a sharp rise in assaults with a gun that jumped nearly 41 percent.
He indicated that the trend is being felt nationwide, which has led to Public Safety Canada making $ 250 million available for community-based prevention initiatives.
“The Kelowna RCMP, in collaboration with Kelowna City Council, will explore opportunities with this fund in the coming months.”
With a major tourist boom expected this summer after two years of restrictions, Triance says there is a plan to “optimize changes, schedules and resources,” to prepare for seasonal events, an influx of tourists and possible emergencies.
“The Okanagan will benefit from the deployment of RCMP officers from across British Columbia, who come to work events and weekends, to ensure adequate staff in our busiest season.”