Photo: Take Back Kelowna
Kelowna RCMP are trying to discourage vigilante groups in the city after the launch of a new “Take Back Kelowna” Facebook group.
“Honestly, I’ve tried to get in touch with them, but they won’t even accept me on their Facebook group,” said RCMP spokesperson Const. Mike Della-Paolera.
The new group’s mission statement reads: “We are just a group of concerned citizens who work with other local groups to recover stolen items as well as report areas of concern.”
Castanet has contacted the group’s organizers to find out about their activities and what they hope to achieve but has not received a response.
As of Friday, the group has 356 members.
“As we all know, crime and theft in Kelowna is out of control. Thieves and homeless people are making off with their clothes on the working public with almost no repercussions,” the Facebook group says.
“The RCMP’s hands are tied and resources are stretched thin. As a homeowner who has had things stolen and trespassed on my property almost every few weeks, I think it’s time for citizens to come together and start coming up with a plan to patrol the city and help this wonderful community.”
Della-Paolera says that, so far, the group’s activities have been limited to social media. But after the rise of a vigilante group in Penticton, Kelowna police would rather the idea not gain traction.
“And what happened in, frankly, Langley, we’re just concerned that people are going out there and potentially putting themselves in legal or harmful danger by trying to take matters into their own hands instead of trusting the police,” he added. Della-Paolera.
In Kamloops, Jessie Simpson has just returned home after being nearly killed six years ago in a case of miscarriage of justice.
The RCMP is encouraging people to continue to bring their concerns to them, the city or by joining service groups like CrimeStoppers.
“You can be part of a solution that is positive instead of putting yourself in harm’s way legally or physically.”
Della-Paolera admits there is work to be done, “but we have to work together and not get ourselves into more hot water.”
Della-Paolera says they are making some inroads, targeting a proactive arrest of 31-year-old Daniel Wiest in May 2022. Wiest is accused of compiling more than 18 counts related to the Kelowna break-ins. The offenses took place over a 2-month period and CCTV helped police recommend charges.
Another man, Bryce Williamson, 33, has also been charged after a month-long investigation and $80,000 in stolen property was recovered. Williamson faces 50 charges. The two men remain in custody.
The RCMP tells Castanet they are struggling with the way case law has changed policing.
“Police investigations are far more complex than even a decade ago and repeat offenders are being released into the community without adequate support and care for criminal activity that is motivated by addictions and mental health issues . Like the health care system, the criminal justice system is dealing with demands; developing new policies and thresholds to assess and classify within available resources,” says Della-Paolera.
Kelowna RCMP highlighted ways to participate in community safety:
- The city’s Block Connector program is an excellent volunteer opportunity for Kelowna residents interested in promoting safety in their community.
- Secure your belongings. Follow the #21:00 routine to ensure your property is safe every night.
- Write down the serial numbers of your valuables and register your bike at 529 Garage. This way they can be effectively identified if stolen and retrieved.
- Know your neighbors. Even better, join the Block Connector program. Strong neighborhoods are safe neighborhoods.
- Say hello to people in your neighborhood, they might be suspicious. This shows them that they are seen. Observe, record and report criminal activity.
- Call 9-1-1 if a crime is in progress, use the RCMP’s online reporting tool to report crimes that have occurred, or call 250-762-3300 to report activity suspicious or illegal.
- Contact Statutory Services at 250-469-8686.
- Also to report a crime tip anonymously, see Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers at www.crimestoppers.net