KELOWNA'S CRIME PICTURE LOOKS FUZZY

The problem of open drug dealing and drug use in parts of downtown
Kelowna seems to be getting worse, Coun. Andre Blanleil said Monday.

Blanleil said during city council's regular session that he had
observed more criminal activity recently around the intersection of
Harvey Avenue and Water Street. Others have reported a surge in drug
dealing around the former A&B Sound store on Leon Avenue.

RCMP Supt. Bill McKinnon, making his monthly report on crime
statistics, acknowledged there are spikes and valleys in offences.

"There's going to be periods when we're doing well and periods when
we're not doing well," he said.

But McKinnon said the four-officer downtown enforcement unit is
working throughout the year. And while the total amount of drugs
seized last month was relatively low, at $28,000, McKinnon suggested
council could expect a big increase in that number once November's
statistics are compiled.

That's because police have recently concluded a major drug operation,
McKinnon said.

"I think you're going to see some pretty astronomical numbers," he
told council.

Overall, there was no clear trend in criminal offences last month.
Some were up, while others were down.

"I can't establish any clear trends," McKinnon said, adding it makes
more sense to look at offences on a quarterly or yearly basis to
determine whether crime is rising, falling or staying level.

However, one predictable factor is the influence of weather on
different types of incidents. The current cold snap will likely lead
to a sharp reduction in break-and-enters, McKinnon said.

"The weather does play a big part in what we do," he said.

McKinnon had been scheduled to make a presentation to a WorkSafe B.C.
meeting in Kelowna on Monday concerning pending changes to how
gasoline is sold. The government has introduced legislation requiring
drivers to pay before they pump in urban areas between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

The meeting in Kelowna was cancelled. However, McKinnon said his
intention is to recommend prepayment at the pumps on a 24-7 basis.

From January through the end of September, 175 gas-and-dash thefts
were reported to Kelowna police. McKinnon said the actual number is
far higher because many retailers don't bother to report the thefts.

Of the 175 reported thefts, only 13 happened between 10 p.m. and 6
a.m., McKinnon said, suggesting it's much more of a problem in the daytime.