Lyonel Doherty
Times-Chronicle
There’s a “gentle giant” in Oliver responsible for a number of crimes, but jail is not the answer, according to the RCMP.
During Thursday’s quarterly report to the RDOS, Sgt. Don Wrigglesworth said recent property crime and thefts are being attributed to a single person who is a “mainstay” in the community. In fact, when he leaves town, RCMP calls for service go down, the officer pointed out.
“This individual has serious mental health and addiction issues . . . he’s a gentle giant . . . his nature is so gentle and apologetic.”
Wrigglesworth said the fellow stole an unlocked car with the keys in it. He then went for a joy ride, causing significant damage to the vehicle.
The officer said the same man caused havoc in Penticton and Vernon, too.
“Jail is not the answer for him, it’s mental health and treatment; it’s a little bit frustrating for all of us.”
Wrigglesworth said third quarter crime statistics in Oliver are punctuated with some big “red” areas (meaning increases). But as he stated before, these percentages fluctuate and can appear alarming and misleading. For example, bicycle theft increased 100 per cent from the third quarter (Q3) of 2020 to Q3 2021 (from two incidents to four). The overall year-to-date bike theft percentage increase is 250.
Once again, the officer reminds people to lock up their property and be mindful of what’s going on around them.
The report shows that domestic violence in Oliver is up 25 per cent this quarter compared to last year at this time. Last year there were eight incidents, compared to 10 this quarter.
Wrigglesworth said this increase concerns him but admitted he’s not sure what he can do to lessen violence among families.
But he stressed the importance of victims being comfortable with reporting such violence and receiving support from victim services.
Incidents of assault causing bodily harm increased from 30 in Q3 2020 to 34 in Q3 2021 (a 13 per cent jump). However, the year-to-date statistics show a decrease of 30 per cent (from 118 incidents last year to 83 this year).
Wrigglesworth said the Okanagan Correctional Centre does create work for them every time an assault occurs within its walls.
Violent crime increased 12 per cent, from 52 incidents in the third quarter of 2020 to 58 incidents this quarter.
Mischief to property in Oliver surged 95 per cent, from 20 incidents in last year’s third quarter to 39 incidents this quarter.
Theft from vehicles also increased by 60 per cent (from 10 incidents to 16).
Area C director Rick Knodel commented that a lot of theft involves exterior licence plates of vehicles.
Now for some good news: Sex offences are down 20 per cent, while uttering threats are down 30 per cent.
Business break-ins are down 33 per cent, while other break-ins (to sheds and outbuildings) are down 50 per cent. Shoplifting is also down 60 per cent (from nine incidents to three).
The top call for service this quarter was traffic incidents (101), followed by assist fire/ambulance (59), alarm (53), theft (51), disturbance (50) and check well-being (44).
Wrigglesworth said speeding in Oliver continues to be the biggest issue that officers are dealing with. He noted that Willowbrook Road is a beautiful touring road but some people drive too fast on it.
The officer said they are increasing their vehicle stops, which don’t always end with a ticket. Although complaints about speeding have decreased, it will be a constant battle to get motorists to slow down, he added.
Knodel thanked Wrigglesworth for doing an “outstanding” job in the community.
Oliver Mayor Martin Johansen agreed, saying the commander has had a positive impact on Oliver.
During question period, the mayor wanted some clarification on what constitutes mischief to property.
Wrigglesworth said it could be a group of teens walking down the street and kicking some boards out of a fence.
