File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Victor Kaisar

RCMP Crime Stats

Kamloops RCMP: Commercial B&E’s down, residential B&E’s up between July and September

Nov 29, 2024 | 10:23 AM

KAMLOOPS — Data from Kamloops RCMP shows a sharp drop in the number of commercial break and enters during the third quarter of 2024.

Speaking to the City’s Safety and Security Select Committee Thursday (Nov. 28), RCMP Superintendent Jeff Pelley says there were 57 such B&E’s between July and September this year, a 55 per cent drop from the 126 during the same three months last year.

“Obviously, it hasn’t been eliminated but we were able to focus on multiple high-risk offenders and communicate with and work with our business improvement associations as well as the City on Kamloops not only on prevention but police enforcement strategies,” Pelley said.

Image Credit: Kamloops RCMP

The data also revealed a 65 per cent increase in the number of residential break-ins during the third quarter of 2024, from 37 last year to 61 this year. It also showed a 13 per cent increase in the number of shoplifting offences from 320 to 362.

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Pelley said the RCMP continues to take a “proactive approach” by closely monitoring prolific offenders who police believe are responsible for a majority of property crimes in Kamloops.

“And in one instance, we had six break and enter charges and two prohib charges against one offender and crown approved the charges and the offender was convicted, receiving 714 days jail as well as 12 months probation,” Pelley said.

“Following that, an additional offender was submitted for seven break and enter charges and one possession of stolen property. That resulted in a guilty plea and the offender received 185 days jail.”

He also said RCMP is also focusing on people who have been designated as “ReVoii” offenders – the Repeat Violent Offender Initiative – which earns them a dedicated Crown Counsel.

“40 per cent of our ReVoii offenders are currently remanded, 18 per cent are serving sentences, and 38 per cent are in the community on an order,” Pelley said.

“The Kamloops ReVoii hub is currently managing 21 offenders, which 12 are associated to Kamloops. Of that, eight are in custody as we continue to focus on those responsible.”

Responding to a question from Councillor Dale Bass, who asked how many of the prolific offenders were unhoused people, Pelley said the majority had a place to call home, as far as he was aware.

“That is a percentage that I don’t have here in front of me, but the majority of our prolific offenders, anecdotally, are housed,” he said. “We know where they live. We know where they’re residing, and we focus on them, if they’re on bail conditions as well.”

“I asked that obviously, because of the belief by some people that all of this crime is being done by just unhoused people. So thank you,” Bass responded.

While some areas have seen a downward trend, Pelley said the RCMP will continue to focus on areas that have seen increases, like residential break and enters.

“We aim to curb re-offending and mitigate the impact of repeat offenders on our community,” he said.

“This includes frequent check-ins, compliance checks, and coordination with judicial and community partners to enforce conditions and increase accountability.”