Break-ins to homes double in West Kelowna

Residential break-ins in West Kelowna more than doubled last year compared to 2016, city councillors heard Tuesday.

Also up were reports of public disturbances, violations of the noise bylaw and complaints under the Liquor Act.

Coun. Rick de Jong called the rise in some crimes “alarming” and lamented the fact no one from West Kelowna RCMP was at the council meeting to discuss the information.

“We clearly have some crime issues when you look at the stats that are before us today,” de Jong said.

City manager Jim Zaffino said the police representative slated to appear had been unexpectedly called to court but would be at the next council meeting.

Zaffino said part of his duties in the coming months include preparing a report on whether West Kelowna should switch from the RCMP to a municipal police force.

Following are the changes in the number of various offences between 2016 and 2017:

— Property offences up from 1,342 to 1,513.

— Common assault up from 99 to 123.

— Stolen vehicles up from 68 to 115.

— Residential break-ins up from 53 to 121.

— Business break-ins down from 80 to 71.

— Violent offences down from 522 to 498.

— Assault with a weapon down from 37 to 25.