Thefts and child abuse crimes on the decline in Kelowna

Kelowna RCMP observed a significant drop in break-ins and the production and distribution of child sexual abuse materials in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

A report to be presented to the council on September 9 shows a nearly 38 percent drop in break-ins and a 32 percent drop in the production and distribution of child sexual abuse materials.

The City’s property crime rate continues to decline from 2022 figures (3,663 incidents) to 2,707 incidents for 2024, and an overall decrease of 11 percent compared to 2023 (3,026 incidents).

“Research indicates that repeat offenders, a small facet of our community, commit a disproportionate amount of crime and Kelowna RCMP are increasingly and relentlessly targeting repeat offenders,” the report states.

Robberies with violence and assaults increased by 27 per cent and 8 per cent respectively from 2023. Many of the incidents often affect people affected by vulnerabilities such as homelessness, mental health and substance use.

Arson fires continue to rise with an 81 per cent increase since 2023. Reporting procedures have improved at the Kelowna Fire Department, which is a major contributing factor to the increase seen in the report.

RCMP traffic interactions, including fines and warnings, are down 25 per cent this year compared to 2023.

The report says Kelowna’s crime severity index, which measures the overall severity of crime year-over-year, is down 7.3 per cent from 2022.