A pilot program is being launched in a few cities tackling repeat property crime offenders.
Coming first to Kelowna, Nanaimo and Nelson, the B.C. government’s Chronic Property and Public Disorder Intervention Initiative (C-POII) is building on the efforts of previous repeat offender programs to enhance public safety.
“This new program will help to stop chronic property crime offenders, which will save businesses the expense of the costs of crimes like shoplifting and vandalism,” said Nina Krieger, B.C. Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “By targeting, monitoring and addressing key repeat offenders of crimes and disorder, we’re going to help make our streets safer for everyone in these cities.”
To start, each location in C-POII has identified five people “whose persistent disorder, theft and vandalism have affected public spaces and local businesses.”
The Province said C-POII will work similarly to an established repeat offender program, the Repeat Violent Offending Intervention Initiative (ReVOII).
People identified for the program will be monitored more closely, with more emphasis on enforcement and public safety support.
Kelowna RCMP superintendent Chris Goebel backed the program in a B.C. government press release on Dec. 17.
“ReVOII has strengthened collaboration between police and corrections, ensuring high-risk individuals receive focused enforcement and support. Expanding this model through the C-POII pilot will help address property crime and street disorder, creating safer communities and reducing repeat offending,” he said.
The issue of repeat offending is still on the forefront for Kelowna officials.
In late September, the City of Kelowna released statistics showing that 15 people were responsible for 1,335 police files in Kelowna in 2024.
Police files for these 15 people dealt with both violent and non-violent offences.
Because of the offences, the City said Kelowna businesses are facing increased costs of operation, due to financial losses, increased security and insurance costs and other disruptions.
The City’s report also said Kelowna routinely deals a higher rate of criminal incidents than the B.C. average.
Nelson-Creston MLA Brittny Anderson as well as Nanaimo-Lantzville MLA George Anderson and Nanaimo-Gabriola Island MLA Sheila Malcomson are excited for this program to continue to enhance public safety in their cities.
“Nanaimo has seen the impact of chronic property crime and street disorder,” said George Anderson. “This pilot is a new tool to address these issues, while connecting people to supports that can help break the cycle of offending. It’s a practical, balanced approach that will make the community safer for everyone.”
Malcomson added that “this new property crime pilot builds on proven strategies from the Repeat Violent Offenders initiative, to help reduce repeat offending and restore confidence in public safety.”
“Nelson has advocated so strongly on the issue of property and public disorder crime, and I am so grateful to see this innovative pilot launched in our community,” said Brittny Anderson. “By focusing on the individuals who create the most disruption, and combining accountability with support, we can reduce harm and work toward long-term, sustainable solutions.”
There is no specific date as to when the pilot program will be launched.