Crime spike in N. Ok

Crime is up in the North Okanagan.

In his quarterly report to city council, the area's top cop, Supt. Jim McNamara, points to an almost 10 per cent increase in criminal code cases from April to June, compared to the previous year.

McNamara says property crime is up 12.42 per cent and reports a spike in break and enters as well as theft from vehicles. Impaired driving investigations have increased 25 per cent over last year.

In terms of serious crime, McNamara's report is revealing.

Over the spring “there have been numerous incidents of violence believed to be directly related to the local drug-trade,” he states.

A number of shots fired incidents have been reported on previously, but McNamara also reveals that in April, a male victim in Coldstream sustained serious injuries during a home invasion, including having a portion of his right index finger cut off.

“He had been forcibly confined and was severely assaulted by multiple suspects. During the course of the investigation, the victim was found to be in possession of a large quantity of cocaine and heroin, consistent with being a street-level drug trafficker,” says McNamara. “The incident is still under investigation.”

McNamara says the RCMP are recommending charges in connection with a suspicious fire in the girl's washroom at AL Fortune High School in Enderby on Apr. 8. The fire resulted in $200,000 in damage. “Investigation determined the fire was the result of arson and a female youth was identified,” says McNamara. “A report has been forwarded to Crown Counsel requesting charges of arson and mischief over $5000.”

Photo: Jon Manchester