(Image Credit: CFJC News)

By Sydney Chisholm

BLOCK WATCH

City and RCMP relaunch Kamloops Block Watch program

Aug 2, 2024 | 6:00 PM

KAMLOOPS– The City of Kamloops and RCMP have announced the relaunch of the Kamloops Block Watch Program.

Locally, the program started in 2016 and at its height had 35 blocks actively participating.

After a brief dormancy period following the pandemic, the city is re-amping the program with 21 blocks currently involved.

“The biggest responsibility for participants is just to watch out for each other’s homes as if they are your own,” said Kamloops Crime Prevention Block Watch coordinator Simrit Uppal.

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“Take the preventative measures to keep you stuff locked up and other things that just aid in your home security in general.”

Blocks in the program have signs posted at both ends of the street.

According to Uppal, Crime Prevention teams have been working with participants to limit any potential crime attractants at each block.

Uppal says she sends out a monthly newsletter to block captains, adding that communication between RCMP and homeowners will be a main focus this time around.

“The feedback I have received is that they appreciate the consistent communication happening from our office now, and we intend to keep it that way,” Uppal told CFJC News.

“We want an open line of communication from both ways, and more recently we have started developing schedules to have the Kamloops community patrols go out to specific block watch areas, and that has been very well received as well.”

For more information on the Block Watch program or to sign up your block, visit the City of Kamloops website.