Business Watch strengthens crime prevention support for businesses in West Kelowna and Peachland

The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) is enhancing community safety for local businesses with the continued success of the Business Watch program in West Kelowna and the expansion of services supporting businesses in Peachland.

Business Watch is a crime‑prevention initiative that brings business owners and employees together as the “eyes and ears” of their community, modeled after the proven Block Watch approach. The program provides no‑cost expertise, interior and exterior security assessments and ongoing crime‑prevention support.

In West Kelowna, Business Watch continues to be delivered through a long‑standing partnership involving the Greater Westside Board of Trade, City of West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation and the West Kelowna RCMP. In Peachland, the program is supported through collaboration between the Peachland Chamber of Commerce, the District of Peachland and the West Kelowna RCMP. This expansion aligns with RDCO’s broader community‑safety framework, which already oversees volunteer‑supported crime‑prevention programs such as Citizens Patrol and Speed Watch in both West Kelowna and Peachland.

“Businesses that register have the opportunity to utilize our specialized crime‑prevention expertise at no cost,” says Roy Morgan, RDCO Community Safety Coordinator. “We offer security assessments, target‑hardening tips and ongoing access to information to help employees and customers continue to feel safe and secure.”

Businesses that participate in Business Watch receive practical support, including crime‑prevention training, theft‑reduction guidance, fraud‑prevention and robbery‑response tips and advice on security measures such as lighting, alarms and CCTV. They also benefit from crime‑trend updates, stronger communication with neighbouring businesses, closer connections with the RCMP and a Business Watch emblem that acts as a visible deterrent.

For more information and to register for the program, visit rdco.com/businesswatch or contact the RDCO Community Safety Coordinator at 250‑707‑8021.