(Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Dave Barry

Kamloops Survey

Crime and social issues costing Kamloops businesses

Apr 22, 2022 | 11:48 AM

KAMLOOPS – A survey released by Kamloops business associations has delivered a damning picture of the impact of criminality and social disruptions on area businesses.

While only 128 of a sample size of approximately 1,500 businesses responded to the survey, the findings are very one-sided.

In the survey, businesses reported a significant increase in impacts of crime and social issues on their operations and an erosion of consumer confidence in core business areas.

The survey identified the top issues as littering or loitering, open drug use, needles or hazardous waste, vandalism, and defecation.

It says the total losses associated with criminality and social disruption (actual measurable losses) is $1,044,890.00 dollars over the last four years.

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85 per cent of respondents to the survey say they have taken steps to improve crime prevention methods at their business including additional lighting, security cameras and fencing. In the last 12 months, respondents say they have spent more than $1.2 million on crime prevention.

When asked about the effectiveness of the city’s Community Service Officers or RCMP, respondents overwhelmingly say they are frustrated by the slow response times and lack of investigation.

Of the 128 respondents, 65 were identified as being located downtown, 54 in North Kamloops, and 9 others were scattered across the city.

The survey was commissioned by The Kamloops North Shore Business Improvement Area Association, Downtown Kamloops, and the Kamloops and District Chamber of Commerce.

A link to the full report is available by clicking here.