Crimes against persons in Kelowna at lowest levels in 5 years

A new report from the Kelowna RCMP reveals that crimes against persons is at its lowest levels in five years while overall crime during the first quarter of 2017 is lower than it was during the same time frame in 2016.

Property offences increased in 2016 compared to 2015 however, with theft from vehicles increasing 26% and thefts of bicycles increasing 43%.

The data derives from an RCMP report that will be presented to Kelowna City Council on Monday.

The report being presented to council reviews the Kelowna RCMP’s 2016-2019 crime reduction strategy as well as compares crime statistics from 2015 to 2016 and data from the first quarter of 2016 to 2017.

Here are some of the key findings from the report regarding statistics from 2015 to 2016:

• Offences against persons in 2016 decreased 13% compared to 2015 and represent the lowest total overall in the past five years
• Property crime increased 9.5% in 2016 compared to 2015. This increase was primarily driven by small-scale offences, including thefts from auto and thefts of bicycles.
• Theft from vehicles increased 26% in 2016 compared to 2015 while bicycle thefts increased 43%.
• Calls for service increased 8.33% in 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 (an increase of 4383 calls).

According to data from the first quarter of 2017 (January to March), property offences and persons offences have declined during the same time frame in 2016.

From January to March 2016, the RCMP registered 1880 property offences and 306 persons offences. During the same time frame in 2017, the RCMP registered only 1631 property offences and 289 persons offences.

Overall, the report reveals mixed results. On the one hand Kelowna is benefitting from less overall crime during the first quarter of 2017, but on the other hand it serves as a reminder to residents to remember to lock up their vehicles and bicycles.