Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

VANDALISM REPORTS

Frustrated Kamloops parents warn community as racist vandalism prompts police investigation

Jan 15, 2025 | 12:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — Police in Kamloops are looking into a number of recent vandalism and mischief reports after two properties were damaged and spray-painted with derogatory language and racial slurs.

The first incident took place January 1, followed by another report on January 10. Both property owners have teenaged children and believe the vandalism stems from ongoing disagreements between teens in the city. The RCMP are now involved and the nature of the language is part of the investigation.

For Kristen Rice, the start of the new year was marred by damage to her home and racial slurs spray-painted on her car.

“I did look out the window and I saw a group of kids standing… by the garbage cans and they sprinted as soon as I looked out the window,” Rice told CFJC Today, adding she and her teenage son attempted to track down the group, to no avail.

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A report was filed with the police. Rice says her partner is black, their children are biracial and she feels the use of certain words went beyond inappropriate and entered the realm of a potential hate crime.

When asked about the vandalism, Kamloops RCMP Cpl. Crystal Evelyn confirms the incident is on the detachment’s radar.

“According to the report, a group of people threw items and spray-painted a vehicle on the property with derogatory comments, including racial slurs. Police attended, they made patrols in the area but, unfortunately, no suspects were located at that time,” noted Evelyn. “That investigation is still open and ongoing.”

Ten days later, Era Byrde got a phone call from her panicked daughter about an incident at their property. A window had been smashed and their home was also tagged with similar expletives.

“It’s scary to live here. I don’t feel safe in my own home anymore. Neither does my daughter. And it’s a shame,” Byrde tells CFJC.

Both sets of parents believe the vandalism is connected and related to disputes between teens in the city. As part of their investigation, RCMP say officers are working to identify suspects, potential motives and determine is the acts are connected.

“Police are investigating that occurence as well, and are looking for anybody who might have information, including video, dashcam footage or even just information about what may have transpired, if they saw anything, please contact us as soon as possible,” adds Evelyn.

Regardless of who did it and why, the homeowners say the damage is a serious problem.

“We’re not sure what the cost is going to be yet or if insurance is even going to cover it. I’m a single mom, and either way I’m stuck with a $1,000 deductible, which is really unfair,” said Byrde. “None of us asked for this. It’s just not right.”

As they wait on word of what insurance will cover and what comes of police involvement, frustrated parents are warning other community members to keep an eye out.

“[Parents should] put their foot down and not allow their kids to run rampant,” stresses Byrde. “It’s just unacceptable what’s happening.”

“I’m just hoping there’s an end to it and somebody is held accountable,” adds Rice.

Information and tips can be reported to Kamloops RCMP’s non-emergency line at 250-828-3000.