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RCMP calls for service drop in downtown Kelowna but jump in Rutland

Overall 7.5 per cent decrease in calls for service from Ja. to Aug. 2023 compared to 2022
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RCMP cruiser. (File photo)

Kelowna RCMP saw a notable drop in calls for service in the downtown core from Jan. to Aug. this year.

A report going to city council Nov. 6 shows a 22.3 per cent drop compared to the same period in 2022.

“This is attributed, in part, to enhanced police visibility and targeted ‘hot spots’ enforcement in that area,” the report states.

Overall, there was a 7.5 per cent decrease in calls for service in 2023 compared to the same period last year.

However, there was a 27.4 increase in calls for service in Rutland.

In response, police resources were recently shifted to increase visibility and responsiveness in Rutland, in conjunction with the dedicated Rutland RCMP Sub Detachment, according to the report.

“Our analytical team has evaluated calls for service to identify strategic opportunities to improve deployment approaches in this area, including the identification of hot spots, peak times, and repeat offender management.”

Business break-enters were down by 43.9 per cent across the city compared to 2022, while residential break-ins dropped by 10.7 per cent.

Despite the decreases, analysis indicates that crime continues to drive Kelowna’s 2023 Crime Severity Index (CSI).

“As reported consistently over the last 18 months, repeat property offenders have a persistent and significant impact on our businesses and residents, as well as the Kelowna CSI,” the report states.

Fraud is also a key CSI driver with a ‘concerning 56.7 per cent increase during the reporting period.’

Assaults (5.6 per cent) intimate partner violence (nine per cent) and sex offences (20 per cent) also increased.

Mental health-related calls were up 2.5 per cent, while mental health apprehensions increased by 17.4 per cent, and

overdose calls dropped by 36.2 per cent.

Other significant decreases include theft with violence (40.7 per cent) auto theft (40.8 per cent) and theft from vehicles (30.6 per cent).

There was a whopping 87.8 per cent jump in traffic violation tickets.

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Gary Barnes

About the Author: Gary Barnes

Journalist and broadcaster for three decades.
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