Crime Stoppers and Kelowna International Airport launch “Crime Doesn’t Fly Here” awareness initiative

Crime Stoppers and Kelowna International Airport launch “Crime Doesn’t Fly Here” awareness initiative

Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers and Kelowna International Airport (YLW) have partnered on a new public awareness initiative to encourage people to report crime and suspicious activity through the appropriate channels.

New signs inside and outside YLW feature the message “Crime Doesn’t Fly Here.” The signs remind residents and visitors that public reporting plays an important role in community safety and provide Crime Stoppers contact information for anonymous tips. To report a crime in progress or an emergency, the Kelowna RCMP asks the public to call 911.

Community safety through partnership

“Crime prevention starts with community involvement,” said Bruce Baron, president of Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers. “Through this partnership with Kelowna International Airport, we can reach thousands of residents and travellers each day with an important message about community safety. Crime Stoppers provides a safe, anonymous way for people to share information that could help prevent crime or support ongoing investigations.”

The initiative reflects a shared commitment between Crime Stoppers and YLW to increase awareness of anonymous reporting options and support a safer community.

“Kelowna International Airport is proud to support initiatives that contribute to the safety and well-being of our community,” said Neil Drachenberg, YLW senior manager of safety and security. “The Crime Doesn’t Fly Here initiative helps raise awareness of Crime Stoppers. Criminal incidents should be reported to police, while suspicious activity that may affect airport safety can also be reported to airport security personnel.”

Why YLW

YLW is the second-busiest airport in British Columbia and one of Canada’s busiest regional airports, serving more than 2.3 million passengers annually. As a highly visible gateway to the Okanagan, the airport provides an effective location to share information about crime prevention and reporting options.

How to report

The Kelowna RCMP reminds the public to report crimes in progress and emergencies by calling 911. Non-emergency criminal incidents should be reported to the Kelowna RCMP by calling 250-762-3300 or through online crime reporting. Crime Stoppers remains an option for people who wish to provide information anonymously about non-emergency incidents.

“Information from the public plays a critical role in helping police prevent and solve crime. Crime Stoppers provides an important anonymous reporting option for individuals who may not otherwise come forward. Increasing awareness at Kelowna International Airport supports our shared commitment to community safety,” said Corporal Steven Lang, Kelowna RCMP media relations officer.

About Crime Stoppers

Crime Stoppers provides anonymity for tipsters. Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-222-8477 or online at crimestoppers.net. If a tip leads to an arrest, anonymous tipsters may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.

Information provided to Crime Stoppers can help law enforcement agencies solve crimes, locate wanted individuals, recover stolen property and enhance public safety. Visit crimestoppers.net for more information and to view wanted individuals and unsolved crimes.