Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

A rise in vehicle thefts and break and enters has Penticton RCMP concerned.

Penticton saw a significant increase in crime in 2014, according to an RCMP report.

Insp. Kevin Hewco provided statistics showing that in 2014 there were 182 reported auto thefts, compared to 110 the year before, while thefts from vehicles went up from 455 to 598.

Robbery stayed at the same level, but there was a big increase in break and enters from businesses and from residences. There were 196 business B&Es, compared to 134 in 2013, and they were particularly hit hard in the last quarter of the year.

Break and enters from residences went from 107 to 119.

Assault numbers rose from 268 to 293, while sex offences went up from 17 to 18.

Drug possession rose from 140 to 203 cases. Mischief charges went from 489 to 570, while fraud was also up, from 159 to 186 counts.

There were some declines, however. Weapons offences went from 52 to 48, and injury collisions dropped from 168 to 158. There was a slight increase in fatal collisions from 2 to 4.

Detachment members continue to focus on safer roads and drug trafficking through partnerships with volunteer Citizens on Patrol and Speed Watch teams, as well as enhanced enforcement nights targeting known drug dealers and houses.