Downtown Kelowna break-ins have decreased, police say, but social disorder on the rise

Supt. Chris Goebel says the Kelowna RCMP understands the concerns businesses are experiencing in the city’s downtown core.

However, the RCMP notes that despite a recent wave of public break-ins and a plea for meaningful change, there were 12 break-and-enters downtown in December compared to 18 in 2024 and 15 in 2023.

That’s a “positive trend,” an RCMP release says, while recognizing that other issues are impacting businesses and residents.

“Calls for service related to social disorder have continued to rise over the past three years, with approximately 100 more calls compared to previous Decembers,” the release explained.

Examples of social disorder calls include: unwanted persons, thefts, threats and assisting other agencies like firefighters or paramedics.

Goebel bluntly states that “mischief, assaults and thefts are unacceptable.”

“Our officers respond based on urgency and risk to public safety, ensuring in‑progress emergencies are addressed first,” he said. “We remain focused on prevention, accountability, and supporting those affected.”

One area where calls for service have “increased significantly” is property damage.

According to the RCMP, December’s statistics show an increase in mischief over $5,000, which highlights the importance of proactive property protection and “is what our downtown business community is feeling.”

The RCMP says it has “increased visibility and patrols in key corridors” and is working alongside City of Kelowna bylaw officers and the Downtown Kelowna Association red-shirted on-call team to address non-criminal disorder and connect individuals to services.

“Creating a safe and vibrant downtown is a shared priority,” Kelowna’s community safety director Darren Caul said on behalf of the City.

“We’re working alongside RCMP and the DKA on-call team to address social disorder and support businesses with practical measures that enhance safety and livability.”

In a New Year's statement, Mayor Tom Dyas said he's heard directly from downtown business owners over recent weeks regarding incidents of crime, vandalism and disorder.

"What they are experiencing is unacceptable. No one should feel unsafe opening their business, going to work, or spending time in our city’s core," the mayor's statement explained.

"That is why the City is taking immediate steps to strengthen coordinated safety and enforcement efforts in our urban centres. The focus is ensuring that business owners, staff and customers can safely access storefronts and workplaces, particularly during the morning and evening hours."

The RCMP urges people to report matters, even minor incidents, to help police understand trends and allocate resources where they’re needed most.