Kelowna wants province to address local crime concerns

Photo: Castanet/file

It's time for the province to come up with solutions to deal with prolific offenders responsible for an "overwhelming portion of property crimes incidents."

That's according to a City of Kelowna generated "Confidence in Justice: Advocacy Paper," that city council will review Monday.

The paper is the city's latest attempt to get the attention of the provincial government in its ongoing battle to see changes to what it calls a "catch-and-release" justice system.

The purpose of the advocacy paper, according to a report, is to generate discussion on the issue of property crime in the community and engage in "productive dialogue with the province to seek commitment for solutions of meaningful impacts."

It suggests more resources within the BC Prosecution Service locally and other administrative changes so the prosecution service, "responsible for making decisions respecting charges recommended by police," are in a better position to maintain "public confidence in the administration of justice."

Much of the issue centres around criminals who continue to break the law even after they have been arrested then later released while awaiting specific charges.

According to figures released by the Kelowna RCMP at the end of last year, 15 offenders had 1,039 negative contacts with police in the first 11 months of 2021. One offender is said to have been responsible for generating 346 RCMP files since 2016, an average of more than one per week for six years.

"Our council and administration are doing our upmost to address citizens' needs regarding public safety," said Mayor Colin Basran.

"Our community is frustrated with rapidly increasing property crime and the impact that prolific offenders have on our residents and businesses.

"And, we need more action from other orders of government to address these concerns."

Property crime declined in 2020 due to the pandemic, but has since seen an increase as restrictions began to ease.