(File photo)

By Lyonel Doherty

Aberdeen Publishing

The RCMP’s year-end statistical report for 2018 shows that break and enters in Osoyoos increased nearly 70 per cent from 2017.

There were 35 break-ins to outbuildings and sheds in 2017, compared to 59 last year.

The report also shows property crime increased 23 per cent (from 439 incidents to 538).

Auto theft increased 16 per cent (from 43 to 50), and business break-ins increased 11 per cent (from 27 to 30).

Residential break-ins increased seven per cent (from 27 to 29), and violent crime (persons) increased by seven per cent (from 74 to 79).

Theft from vehicles is down six per cent, from 71 incidents in 2017 to 67 in 2018.

A big decrease (50 percent) was noted in domestic violence (from 22 reported cases in 2017 to 11 last year).

• Read more: Local RCMP inviting community groups to host ‘mini forums’

The top 10 calls for service in Osoyoos in 2018 were: abandoned 9-1-1 (348), theft (234), property (225), traffic incident (218), alarm (164), assist general public (144), disturbance (119), suspicious circumstances (118), and break and enter (104).

In total, there were 3,070 calls for service in Osoyoos, compared to 4,530 in Oliver.

Of those 3,070 calls, 70 charges were forwarded to the Crown.

Under traffic enforcement, there were 15 immediate (90-day) roadside suspensions issued in Osoyoos for impaired driving in 2018. There were four, 24-hour prohibitions for alcohol, and two for drugs.

The RCMP gave eight school talks in Osoyoos last year, and held 27 community events. One restorative justice case was also carried out.

A total of 38 victim services referrals were recorded in Osoyoos last year.

RCMP Superintendent Ted de Jager said the Community Active Support Table (CAST) will expand in the region this spring, covering the entire South Okanagan-Similkameen. CAST helps at-risk individuals affected by mental health and drug addictions by referring them to the proper agencies.

De Jager said CAST is not the only solution to the region’s social problems, but its strength lies in bringing all partners together to support “vulnerable” people.