Crime prevention

9 pm routine

Broaden your crime prevention practice by developing the 9 p.m. routine.

Every night at 9 p.m. or thereabouts, make a quick check around your property including:

• Remove valuables and remotes from your vehicle and ensure it’s locked, windows are closed, and if possible, your vehicle’s parked in a garage
• If your vehicle is parked on the driveway overnight, ensure that your driveway is well lit during hours of darkness
• Close all garage windows and lock any garage doors, especially those leading into your house
• Check and lock all exterior house doors and shut all windows
• Turn on an exterior lighting around your home
• Close and lock your fence gate
• Lock all your sheds and outbuildings you may have

• Put away and secure bikes and any other items left around your yard

Why is this important?  The RCMP in our province suggest that developing a regular evening property check routine helps prevent any crimes of opportunity.

Auto crime prevention

Auto crime hurts a lot of people every year in British Columbia. The cost in claims alone total more than $150 million per year. Victims lost time and property replacement as well as the cost of an insurance deductible.

Prevention

Prevention is the best way to lower auto crime costs. For your own protection, please secure your vehicle during both day and night. Keep your spare key in your wallet, not on the vehicle and remove all your belongings.

Tips to prevent auto crime from ICBC:

• Never leave your keys unattended
• Park in secure, well-lit areas
• Remove all valuables from your vehicle
• Watch and wait for garage doors or gates to close behind you to ensure no one sneaks in after you
• Store your garage door opener out of sight
• Use an anti-lock device to secure your vehicle, particularly if it was manufactured before 2007
• Don't keep spare keys in your vehicle – this includes spare house, vehicle or other important keys
• Keep your vehicle away from fencing or shrubs that could conceal a break-in

Lock out auto crime

Next time you park look inside your vehicle and see what tempting items you've left in sight. Loose change, a shopping or sports bag, or even an old coat can make your vehicle an easy target.

Auto theft can happen to anyone at any time. And while in the hands of a thief, your vehicle is likely to lose its stereo, the contents of the glove compartment - even the seats. Remember if your car is stolen once it could easily happen again. Closing your windows and locking your doors is only the first step to prevention. You may also want to consider buying an anti-theft device.

Business watch

Business Watch is a free RDCO crime prevention program through a partnership with the Greater Westside Board of Trade, City of West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation and RCMP.

It's modelled on the highly successful residential Block Watch program. Business Watch provides business owners and their staff with crime prevention advice and hand-on solutions to crime-related incidents that may impact them and their customers. Review our pamphlet PDF.

Services offered

• Help in developing a secure business design
• Learn how to identify potential shoplifters
• Create a floor layout to reduce theft
• Learn to recognize, address and prevent credit card and interact fraud
• Learn effective robbery response techniques
• Address workplace violence and personal safety

Why join? Benefits include…

• Improved communications between business operators in the Greater Westside and West Kelowna RCMP
• Increased participation in crime prevention and community safety initiatives
• Reduce fear of crime among business owners and their employees

In addition, you will receive specialized crime prevention services from our Crime Prevention Coordinator, including:

• No cost security assessment using crime prevention through environmental design principles available for the interior and exterior of a business
• Target hardening advice, lighting, locks, alarm systems, CCTV
• Updates on latest crime trends
• Relay crime incidents to businesses which may be affected or targeted
• Provide a link between Business Watch members and RCMP
• Employee training on robbery prevention, de-escalation, point of sale fraud etc.

Benefits

• Community involvement is integral to assist RCMP to prevent and reduce crime
• Communication with partnering block businesses encourages cooperation and strengthens the business neighbourhood
• Proactive crime prevention practices versus reacting to a crime-related incident
• Public awareness - a Business Watch logo placed in clear view helps act as a deterrent for criminal opportunities
• View our pamphlet PDF 

Register to participate

Simply fill out the registration form and you will be contacted.

Want more information?

Contact our Regional Crime Prevention Coordinator

Phone 250-707-8021
Email 

Bicycle theft prevention

Bicycle theft continues to be a crime of opportunity right across the Central Okanagan.  More than a 1,000 bikes a year are reported stolen and RCMP believes the actual number is much higher.

Very few stolen bicycles are ever reported by owners and recovered by police. Unfortunately, many bicycle owners don't record their bike's serial number or have a detailed description/photo to help identify their bike in the event it is stolen.

Help protect your investment

1. Register your bike for free with the '529 Garage' program (online or mobile app)
2. Lock your bike whenever you're not riding it
3. Be sure to record your bike's serial number somewhere safe at home

What is 529 Garage?

RCMP in the Central Okanagan and police across the province are partnering with the 529 Garage program to combat bike theft through improved education, prevention and enforcement.  By registering your bicycle with the free 529 Garage App, you have the best chance of having it returned if it is stolen and recovered.

More tips on preventing bike theft from the RCMP.

Watch this short video on how easy it is to register and protect your bicycle!

Block Watch program

Block Watch is a program that aims to reduce residential crime through the active participation of a majority of community residents. It is a police and community organized awareness program that encourages neighbours to know each other and become familiar with the normal activity patterns within their neighbourhood. This enables people to recognize suspicious activity within their neighbourhood.

This program

• Depends on mutual assistance among neighbours aimed at reducing crime in our communities
• Helps foster a neighbourhood where people are alert to the potential of crime
• Contributes to a neighbourhood where people are willing to look out for each other's interests
• Helps create an environment where crimes are least likely to occur

Good neighbours working together through a Block Watch program can prevent crime in their area the most effective way: before it starts.

How to start a Block Watch program in your community?

We will supply you with an information package to assist you starting a Block Watch program in your area. The information package you receive will guide you through the steps to take to make your neighbours aware of the program and how you may all participate.

When you feel you are ready to participate in our program, you may arrange for members of our Block Watch team to give a home safety presentation to a meeting of your neighbours. Our Presentation Team will come to your neighbourhood (or community meeting place) to present an overview of the Block Watch program.

Depending on local conditions, a Block Watch grouping usually consists of residents from 10 to 25 homes. Our presentation is approximately 2 hours in length and covers:

• Block Watch - What is it?
• Target hardening of your home
• Neighbourhood awareness
• Marking valuable property

Receive further information on starting a program in your area:

• Residents in the Electoral East area, Electoral West area, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland, City of West Kelowna or Westbank First Nation should contact our Regional District Crime Prevention Coordinator by phone 250-707-8021 or email 

Central Okanagan Speed Watch Program

Are you aware of the speeding situation in British Columbia?

• Crashes involving speed kill or injure more people than those involving alcohol
• Approximately 15,000 traffic crashes involve speed
• Every year, more than 200 people are killed and 8,000 are injured

Is speeding a problem in your neighbourhood?

• The Speed Watch Program monitors speeding in your area
• Using portable Radar equipment and an electronic sign for instant feedback, drivers will be made aware of their speed as they travel along neighbourhood streets
• Information about speeding locations will be given to the police and Speed Watch Program
• Schools can obtain volunteers by utilizing the display unit at open house sessions

This program will help to address specific traffic problems through

• Increased police awareness
• Public and community education
• City traffic and transportation section
• Neighbourhood action

Become a volunteer

If you are at least 19 years of age and...

• Have a clean driving record
• Have four hours per month to give
• Are prepared to commit to one year initially
• Are willing to complete necessary training

You can apply to be part of our Speed Watch Program. For an application or more information please phone our Regional Crime Prevention Coordinator at 250-707-8021.

Call your local RCMP detachment if you have a concern about the traffic in your neighbourhood.

Child ID

Child ID is a free program offered through the community policing offices (locations outlined below) in the Regional District of Central Okanagan. It's another example of how volunteers work with the RCMP and the community to make their neighbourhoods safer places in which to live, work and play.

What is “Child ID?”

Community Policing offices take the safety of our children very seriously. Do you have a record of your child's personal information, medical history and a recent picture? As a responsible parent, you should. Child ID is a community service project that is designed to provide parents with accurate documentation about your child or children. This service is provided FREE and at no cost to you. Please note, the RCMP does not keep a copy of these documents. Fingerprints, as well as all documents are kept with parents. Please keep your copies in a safe place.

What information should you have for each child?

1. A recent photograph (head shot). Child ID recommends children of school age be photographed each year and that pre-school children, particularly those under age 2, be photographed at least every six months
2. Medical records, including drugs, allergies or medications that might be needed
3. Height and weight
4. Identifying marks, such as birthmarks, scars etc.
5. Copies of custody papers, passports, and birth certificates
6. Fingerprints

Why should I fingerprint my child?

Fingerprints will not find a missing child. However, they do help in identification once a child has been found.

How often should a child be fingerprinted?

Although they never change throughout life, it is useful to repeat fingerprinting that has been done on youngsters under the age of 7, because once the child reaches this age, the prints become better defined. A child's footprint is often taken instead of fingerprints until they reach the age of 2 years. Handprints are taken between the ages of 2 6 years.

Request a Child ID kit

Contact our Regional Crime Prevention Coordinator and they will supply you with a kit that will allow you to fingerprint your child(ren).

Citizens' Patrol

The Central Okanagan Citizens' Patrol is comprised of community-based groups of concerned citizens who volunteer their time, vehicles, energy and expertise to become the extended eyes and ears of their police service. In this day, the police simply cannot do it all for the community - they must have community support in making our streets safe for all to use.

Each patrol team has its own executive selected from within the patrol. While this group manages the scheduling and routine operations of the patrol, the team itself works under the direction of the RCMP.

What is the role of a citizens' patrol team?
Personnel who participate in the Citizens' Patrol are observers and reporters only. If an offence is witnessed, patrol members are to observe and report the matter. They are not to become directly involved. It is the responsibility of the police to deal with offenders. Besides being a good safety policy for citizens' patrol members, this enables people of all ages to participate in their local patrol.

The only exception is Citizens' Patrol members occasionally will assist with traffic control/direction at motor vehicle accident scenes. A portion of the basic 6 hours training includes traffic direction and control.

Is there a patrol team in my area?

We oversee teams in the following areas of the Central Okanagan:

• Lake Country
• West Kelowna
• Peachland

If you'd like further information about citizens' patrols in these areas, please call our Regional Crime Prevention Coordinator at 250-707-8021.

Community policing offices

What are they?

Community Policing Offices are part of the RCMP Community Policing initiative in the Central Okanagan. Community Policing Offices (CPOs) have been established to better enable the police to serve their community and likewise enable the community support their police service. CPOs are staffed by community volunteers. Members of the public attending at these offices may receive assistance in reporting minor offences, dealing with police members or getting information relating to crime prevention and community policing concerns. The CPOs are not high pressure environments, but rather the opposite. A CPO is a community-based, non-threatening office the public may go to when they must deal with matters relating to personal problems or issues within the community.

What do they do?

Office personnel respond to routine enquiries from the general public, initiate non-emergency crime reports, advise the public on crime prevention programs available and maintain a number of ongoing programs such as: seniors contact, media liaison file, business contact list, etc. They have been designed to not be a high-pressure area.

Objectives of community policing offices

1. Establish good communication between residents, businesses and community groups
2. Increase public awareness of policing issues through effective communication with the community
3. Provide a de-centralized office system accessible to the community
4. Increase community involvement in Crime Prevention & Community Policing activities through the utilization of qualified volunteers both in the office and throughout the community
5. Provide localized facilities for RCMP personnel to use as required for their duties

How can I volunteer for the CPO program?

The CPO program is looking for people who want to contribute time to their community and the police. Please read and answer the following questions:

1. Are you a resident at least 19 year of age and a resident of the area?
2. Have no criminal record?
3. Can you work within a structured environment?
4. Can you work with other people?
5. Can you commit 4 hours per week for a period of one year?
6. Do you have good writing and speaking skills?
7. Have no health or other problems that may impede you working in an office/community environment?

If you can answer yes to all the above questions and can pass the security screening required by the RCMP, you might find the Community Policing Office rewarding.

Locations

Kelowna – RCMP

1190 Richter Street
Kelowna, BC

Phone 250-762-3300

Lake Country

3231 Berry Road
Winfield, BC
Phone  250-766-2288

Peachland

4440 - 5th Street
Peachland, BC
Phone 250-767-2623

Rutland

115 McIntosh Road
Kelowna, BC
Phone 250-765-6355

West Kelowna

2390 Dobbin Road
West Kelowna, BC
Phone 250-768-2880

For further information about community policing in these areas, please contact our regional crime prevention coordinator by calling 250-707-8021.

Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED)

Research has shown that the proper design and effective use of the built environment can lead to a reduction in both the opportunity for crime and the fear of crime. CPTED is part of a comprehensive approach to crime prevention. By emphasizing modifications to the physical environment, it complements community-based policing, Neighbourhood Watch, and social programs that address some of the root causes of criminal behaviour.

CPTED can be applied to identify and remove potential problems in proposed developments. It can also be used to correct existing design problems that may invite crime.

CPTED can reduce crime and fear through:

• Territoriality - fostering resident interaction, vigilance, and control over their neighbourhood
• Surveillance - maximizing the ability to spot suspicious people and activities
• Activity support - encouraging the intended use of public space by residents
• Hierarchy of space - identifying ownership by delineating private space from public space through real or symbolic boundaries
• Access control/target hardening - using physical barriers, security devices and tamper-resistant materials to restrict entrance
• Environment - a design or location decision that takes into account the surrounding environment and minimizes the use of space by conflicting groups
• Image/Maintenance - ensuring that a building or area is clean, well-maintained, and graffiti-free

Are you having an ongoing “break and enter,” vandalism, theft or trespassing problem at your store or home? Our Crime Prevention Coordinator is available for an on-site assessment of your premises to suggest possible solutions to your problem through the principles of CPTED.

Fraud, scams, identity theft protection

Our Crime Prevention Coordinator is available to provide advice or presentations to interested parties. Simply contact them for more information.

Graffiti removal and prevention program

Have you spotted graffiti?

Report graffiti by calling 250-707-8021 if you live within the municipalities of Lake Country, Peachland, West Kelowna, the Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West Electoral Areas, and Westbank First Nation.   

If you live in the City of Kelowna, contact them by phone 250-469-8600.

About the program

The Graffiti Removal and Prevention Program is a police-based crime prevention program designed to reduce incidents of graffiti vandalism and the negative impact that this crime has on the community. 

A leading motivating factor for graffiti vandals is fame or notoriety. By removing graffiti as quickly as it appears vandals are unable to achieve recognition from their peers. If left unchallenged, graffiti can encourage other crimes and encroaches on the safety and well-being of our community. 

The Graffiti Eradication & Prevention program is based on a 3R's approach - Recognize, Report and Remove. Residents are asked to recognize that graffiti is a crime, to report graffiti to the Graffiti Hotline and to remove the vandalism immediately following its appearance. 

What Is Graffiti?

Graffiti is the wilful defacement of someone else's property by writing words or drawing with any marking substance. Graffiti can be placed on any surface including walls, fences, rocks, trees, mail and news boxes, sidewalks, roadways, windows and equipment covers.

Why Should You Care?

• Graffiti is a crime and the incidence of this crime is increasing
• It's not something unique though to the Central Okanagan
• Graffiti invites other types of vandalism and crime, because it suggests the neighbourhood doesn't care or cannot cope
• Graffiti also gives the impression that a neighbourhood isn't safe
• This can drive people away from a perfectly safe area
• Areas filled with graffiti are less appealing to those who may be looking to buy or rent property
• Properties become more difficult to sell and values are reduced
• Private property owners and public agencies spend thousands of dollars every year on graffiti removal
• Every dollar spent to clean up preventable graffiti, is a dollar that could have been spent on other programs

How Can You Prevent Graffiti?

There are several steps you can take to help prevent graffiti. It requires your involvement to proactively fight this crime.

• If your property becomes the target of graffiti vandalism, paint over it within 24 hours after it appears
• Rapid removal of the vandalism will prevent the offender from achieving recognition from other "taggers"
• Ensure your property always looks occupied. Lock all doors and exterior gates and ensure there is good lighting around the property.
• Install motion sensor lighting and ensure your property appears occupied at all times
• Start or participate in a local Block Watch program
• Where possible, remove objects which can be used to access target areas such as roofs and eliminate target areas such as walls and fences by planting shrubs or brushes in front of them. Landscaping can help. Studies show that graffiti as well as litter is less common in landscaped areas.
• Cover walls with anti-graffiti coatings
• Do not glorify graffiti by using graffiti images in advertising displays
• If you sell products that could be used for graffiti vandalism, be careful how you display the products

Graffiti On Your Property

Do not ignore graffiti. Clean it up as soon as possible. This will prevent offenders from receiving the recognition they desire.

Fast action improves the chances of a good clean up. You might also purchase environmentally friendly graffiti remover from paint stores. For assistance in removing graffiti, consult your local paint store or contact a professional graffiti removal contractor.

Residential home security

Our Regional Crime Prevention Coordinator can assist in educating people about home security. Just contact us for details.

You can also check out the RCMP's page on home security tips.

Restorative justice

Criminal justice systems around the world today are adopting approaches that minimize the effects of crime on people and communities while helping to prevent offenders from committing more crimes.

Learn about restorative justice

• BC public safety and emergency services
• BC law, crime and justice

Robbery prevention

Here are some resources to help you learn about robbery prevention:

• RCMP: protect your business
• City of Kelowna: community safety

Seniors contact program

Seniors from the City of West Kelowna or Peachland who qualify for this program will be contacted by phone on a regular basis to ensure they are okay.

Seniors will receive daily phone calls at a predetermined time (usually between 10 a.m. to noon, Monday to Friday) from our Community Policing Office. This program is available to seniors who do not have a caregiver living with them.

Referrals for this program will be taken from agencies and organizations working with seniors or from individuals who are aware of seniors who live alone and could benefit from this program.

If contact cannot be made (no answer) – we will try back at least three times over one hour. If there is still no answer, one of the individuals that are listed as an emergency contact on the application form will be contacted.

It's a simple way to ensure seniors are safe in our community.

Seniors safety

Seniors are often victims of scams and frauds because seniors are often stereotyped as being:

• Weak or frail
• Individuals who always carry lots of cash with them
• Easy targets

Crime prevention is mostly a matter of awareness. Most crimes take advantage of opportunity. Reducing or removing the opportunity reduces the possibility of becoming a victim.

Our Crime Prevention Coordinator can assist seniors from becoming victimized through educational/awareness seminars geared at:

• Safety on the street
• Safety in the home
• Scams and frauds

For more information, please contact our Crime Prevention Coordinator by calling 250-707-8021 or email them.   

Volunteer for these programs

The minimum standards for all the programs include (but not limited to for some programs):

• 19 years of age
• Resident of BC
• You must be able to obtain and maintain a RCMP Enhanced Security Clearance

Pick up an application form at any of the RCMP detachments or community policing offices, or print and use this community policing volunteer form. The completed application form along with a clear photocopy of your driver's licence may be either dropped off at any community policing office or mailed direct to:
 

Regional Crime Prevention Coordinator 
West Kelowna RCMP
2390 Dobbin Road
West Kelowna, BC V4T 2H9

Additional links

There are a variety of Crime Prevention organizations to check out:

• Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers
• Lake Country Community Policing 
• Peachland Community Policing 
• West Kelowna Community Policing 
• Block Watch Society of BC
• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
• RCMP website
• National Crime Prevention Centre