Photo: Bring back Kelowna
RCMP in Kelowna are trying to discourage vigilante groups from forming in the city after the launch of a new Facebook group, Take Back Kelowna.
“Honestly, I’ve tried to contact them, but they won’t even accept me on their Facebook group,” said RCMP spokesperson Const. Mike Della-Paolera.
The new group’s mission statement reads: “We are simply a group of concerned citizens working with other local groups to return stolen items as well as report problem areas.”
Castanet reached out to the group’s organizers to learn more about their activities and what they hope to accomplish, but did not hear back.
As of Friday, the group had 356 members.
“As we all know, crime and theft in Kelowna is out of control. “Thieves and homeless people get away with stealing from hard-working people with almost no consequences,” the group says on Facebook.
“The RCMP has its hands tied and resources are very scarce. As a property owner who has things stolen and trespassers on my property almost every few weeks, I think it’s time we citizens come together and start making a plan to patrol the city and help this wonderful community .”
Della-Paolera says that until now the group’s activities have been limited to social media. But after the rise of a vigilante group in Penticton, Kelowna police would rather the idea not gain traction.
“And what happened in, frankly, Langley, we’re just concerned that people are going to go there and put themselves in maybe legal jeopardy or harm by trying to take matters into their own hands instead of relying on the police,” Della-Paolera added.
In Kamloops, Jessie Simpson has just returned home after being nearly killed six years ago in a case of miscarriage of justice.
The RCMP encourages people to continue to share their concerns with them, the city or by joining service groups like CrimeStoppers.
“You can be part of a solution that is positive instead of putting yourself in harm’s way legally or physically.”
Della-Paolera admits there is work to be done, “but we need to work together and not get into even hotter waters.”
Della-Paolera says they are making some inroads, pointing to a proactive arrest of Daniel Wiest, 31, back in May 2022. Wiest is accused of making up more than 18 counts of breaking and entering in Kelowna. The offenses took place over a 2 month period and CCTV helped police recommend charges.
Another man, 33-year-old Bryce Williamson, was also charged after a month-long investigation and $80,000 worth of stolen property was recovered. Williamson faces 50 charges. Both remain in custody.
The RCMP tells Castanet they are struggling with the way case law has changed policing.
“Police investigations are far more complex than they were even a decade ago and repeat offenders are being released into the community without adequate support and care for criminal activity that is driven by addictions and mental health issues. Like the health care system, the criminal justice system struggles with the demands; developing new policies and thresholds for assessment and triage within available resources,” says Della-Paolera.
Kelowna RCMP highlighted ways people can participate in community safety:
- The City’s Block Connector program is an excellent volunteer opportunity for Kelowna residents interested in promoting safety in their community.
- Secure your belongings. Follow the #9PM routine to ensure your property is safe and secure every night.
- Write down the serial numbers of your valuables and register your bike at 529 Garage. In this way, they can be effectively identified if stolen and recovered by the police.
- Get to know your neighbors. Better yet, join the Block Connector program. Strong neighborhoods are safe neighborhoods.
- Say hello to people in your neighborhood who you may be suspicious of. It shows them that they have been seen. Monitor, record and report criminal activity.
- Call 9-1-1 if a crime is in progress, use the RCMP’s online reporting tool to report crimes in progress, or call 250-762-3300 to report suspicious or illegal activity.
- Contact Bylaw Services at 250-469-8686.
- Also, to report a crime anonymously, please contact Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers at www.crimestoppers.net
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