Kelowna launches overnight security patrol in response to crime complaints

The City of Kelowna is sending out patrols overnight in an effort to reduce crime and push homeless people towards shelters.

Downtown crime, homelessness and drug use has been a major concern for businesses and the city is sending out extra patrols overnight to deter crime, according to a press release from the city issued today, Feb. 19.

“By increasing visible overnight presence in areas of concern, the initiative intends to disrupt ongoing patterns of crime and mischief, helping deter further incidents and improve the public’s sense of safety,” community safety director Darren Caul said in the release.

“It also supports local businesses during what many have told us is a challenging period, by helping stabilize areas that are repeatedly impacted.”

The city decided to start this program after its safety forum at the end of January.

Police patrols during the day have ramped up in response to complaints about disorder downtown, but business owners have said that there are still problems at night.

The overnight patrols will work with police and bylaw to help find areas where there are safety concerns for residents and businesses, the city said. The city didn’t say if the patrol members will by hired security guards or existing city staff or how much the initiative will cost taxpayers.

The plan includes sending patrollers to commercial areas where there are still problems overnight and reporting any crimes to police.

Patrollers are also going to direct homeless people to shelters and the outdoor sheltering site by the rail trail. The money for the program is coming from the city’s public safety levy.

The city didn’t say whether the patrols will be focused downtown or will include other problem areas like Rutland.

Patrol schedules won’t be posted because the city said that could make the program less effective.