Kamloops business owner fed up with crime after business was put on lockdown with customers inside

Carlton’s cafe has been operating here for five years. She says she has seen an uptick in the crime in this plaza since the pandemic started.

“We’re trying to heighten our security, put bars on the windows, it’s really sad that you have to do that. But that’s what it’s coming down to,” she said.

Canada’s Best Value Inn has been deemed a nuisance property by the City of Kamloops bylaw for the past year, because of numerous complaints. The City says it has been working with the owner for the past few months to reduce crime in the area.

“That’s part of our role to work with the property owners, to do a proper assessment to recommend things they can do to approve safety such as lighting, such as keeping their properties clean, and monitoring activity that goes on on their properties,” said Kevin Beaton, community services supervisor at the City of Kamloops.

Carlton says crime in the area is resulting in having a lot of one-time customers.

“There might be a few people scared to come again. On the other hand, they are my regular customers. They come all the time. I’m very thankful for them,” Carlton explained.

Although the motel has been labeled a nuisance property, Carleton says she has no intentions of moving.

“It’s everywhere really. I can see if I went somewhere else, it would happen there too,” she said.

by Amandalina Letterio

Kamloops business owner fed up with crime after business was put on lockdown with customers inside

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