Lyonel Doherty

Times-Chronicle

Speeders in Oliver are being watched to ensure they don’t cause someone a lot of grief.

But for one volunteer, a recent confrontation with a driver caused him to step down and re-evaluate his role.

During a presentation at the Community Safety and Crime Prevention Committee meeting on Oct. 4, Crime Watch/Speed Watch coordinator Shirley Zelinski gave an update on the program.

She explained that one dedicated volunteer had become frustrated with people “giving him the finger” and swearing at him during his duties. She cited one example where a driver reportedly parked his vehicle in the middle of the road in front of the high school in September. The driver accused the volunteer of writing down his licence plate number and allegedly threatened him.

Zelinski said volunteers don’t record licence plate numbers unless someone is excessively speeding. 

She noted the driver in this case likely “panicked” since it was later discovered that he did not hold a current and valid driver’s licence.

Crime prevention committee member Michael Guthrie enquired if this driver was approached by authorities.

“It’s my understanding that the threats were specific and quite violent and it’s not the first time he’s been involved in something like this.”

Oliver RCMP Sgt. Don Wrigglesworth confirmed that the individual (a business owner in Willowbrook) was contacted about the incident and this contact will continue.

In other Crime Watch news, Zelinski requested that town vehicles be equipped with cameras for driver protection and general security.

She cited one instance when Crime Watch was monitoring a vehicle at the Coast Hotel. The driver reportedly became irritated and got out of the vehicle and tried to get the Crime Watch volunteers to come out of theirs. The volunteers then called 911 to handle the situation.

“We’d love to have dash cams; I can’t see anything (legally) that would restrict them for town vehicles,” Zelinski said 

She added that RCMP are constantly asking for video evidence to help them with investigations.

As far as speeding goes, Zelinski said they monitor a number of areas in Oliver, including the Tucelnuit neighbourhood, Lion’s Park and school zones. She noted the worst problem area is Highway 97 at Lion’s Park, adding it has got to the point where Speed Watch volunteers won’t set up across from the park due to drivers “flying around the corner.”

“A lot of people who live in this town don’t even realize that it (speed limit) drops to 50 before the park.”

Zelinski said she would love to see a flashing light crosswalk in front of Lion’s Park, the high school and the post office. She pointed out that skateboarders and dog walkers frequently cross the highway to get to Lion’s Park, a practice that could cause serious injury or worse.

“What’s more important to the people of Oliver, swimming indoors (aquatic centre) or their safety? It’s a simple question.”

Zelinski said the Crime Watch component is staffed primarily by senior volunteers who spend as little as three hours a month patrolling the community, checking local businesses, school sites, the hospital, Area 27 and the District Wine Village.

“We are a visibility factor, the more people see us the better,” she stated.

Committee member Jim King from Osoyoos encouraged the group to ensure that one person is never patrolling alone, adding there should always be two people. 

Oliver Mayor Martin Johansen said he favours dash cameras in vehicles, especially during community patrols.

Wrigglesworth said he has always been a true believer of citizens on patrol. He commended Zelinski and the volunteers for putting in a lot of hours to keep the community safe.

The commander noted that speeding seems to be the number one issue in Oliver, which he views as better than having property crime on the top of the list.

He explained that in many cases speeders are receiving warning letters as opposed to tickets.

Wrigglesworth said he has asked his general duty officers to increase their vehicle contacts to address traffic-related issues. He noted that officers wrote 250 violation tickets in a six-month period from April to October of this year.