File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).

By Aaron Schulze

Business Impacts Survey

Survey of Kamloops businesses show crime-related costs skyrocketing

Sep 25, 2024 | 9:15 AM

KAMLOOPS — Businesses in Kamloops reported nearly $1 million in losses due to crime in 2024.

Results from the annual crime impacts to business survey released by the Kamloops business improvement associations Tuesday (Sept. 24) show an increase from $752,000 in 2023.

Additionally, the 2024 Impacts Survey says 71 per cent of Kamloops businesses reported they had put in new security measures in 2024, despite a slight reduction in operational changes compared to previous years. The survey says businesses spent $946,360 on crime prevention strategies.

The Kamloops North Shore Business Improvement Area Association, Downtown Kamloops, and the Kamloops and District Chamber of Commerce say 201 businesses participated in the survey. The survey calls for a ‘four pillar’ approach to health care, mental health reforms at all levels of government and criminal justice reforms such as changes to bail provisions.

“Our local businesses are the backbone of the Kamloops economy, and they need real solutions to the crime and social disruption that threaten their livelihoods,” Jeremy Heighton, Kamloops North Shore Business Improvement Area Association executive director says. “This report clearly shows that immediate action is needed to protect not only the business community but also the safety and wellbeing of all Kamloops residents.”

B.C. Election 2024

CANDIDATE LIST: Kamloops and area candidates for the 2024 BC election

1h ago

The Tattle of Hastings

THE TATTLE OF HASTINGS: WolfPack captain Grether vs. Hastings in penalty shootout

4h ago

Question of the Week

Were you surprised by the City of Kamloops AAP voting result?

Sep 23, 2024

The full report can be viewed here.