Several break-ins at downtown businesses have alarmed merchants

By Julie TurnerrnOsoyoos Times

Several break-ins last week in the downtown business district have alarmed Osoyoos merchants.
At about 4:30 a.m. April 14, thieves attempted a break-and-enter into The Source. Security bars had been bent but no access was gained. Apparently the thieves were spotted at the scene and were scared off.
Then on the morning of April 18, thieves broke a front window at the Unity skate apparel store, snatching approximately $800 in hoodies. The same night, at 2 a.m., Sears was hit. Thieves entered the building through the door window and stole two TVs and a barbecue.
Sears was hit again 14 hours later, at approximately 10 p.m. Thieves entered the building the same way and walked off with two more TVs.
Unity's Jamie Elder says police need to realize the extent of the crack problem in town. The average 14-year-old knows who these dealers and addicts are. He feels more needs to be done to fight drug-related crime. He says when he was living in Victoria, merchants formed an alliance and hired a security company to patrol two blocks of downtown.
Sears owner Randy Kassian says he is frustrated by the crimes, but also by the public's lack of motivation to get involved.
If you see or hear something going on, why not call the police and try to get a good description of the people and the vehicles at a scene? Why just observe a crime from your window?rnHe says he is looking into installing security bars on his windows and doors.
I don't want to be locked inside my own store; I don't like the look of them, but what else can I do?
On Thursday evening, the local Community Consultative Committee met with RCMP Corporal Harold Hallett to discuss mutual policing concerns and ways people can better protect themselves from becoming a victim of crime. The committee meets with the RCMP twice a year and has been working together for the past four years.
Hallett says police are aware most of the break-and-enter crimes are drug-related. In all the recent drug raids made, police recovered a lot of stolen property from local stores.
Addicts steal anything of value to sell or trade for drugs. He says shopkeepers have to harden their targets to help reduce their chances of getting robbed.
Security alarms, security bars, surveillance cameras inside the store, and interior and exterior lights left on can help.
People need to be alert and pay attention to sounds of breaking glass at 4 a.m. We encourage people to call us if they see or hear anything, he adds.
The vehicle description given at one of the thefts matches a vehicle description of a car stolen out of Kelowna, and police are investigating a possible link.
Meanwhile, Hallett adds the RCMP will continue to step up their pressure on drug dealers, concentrating particularly on methamphetamine and cocaine dealers and acting sooner on tips given about suspected drug houses by performing cold knocks at residences.
During the summer months, hours will increase, putting more constables on the street at night.
It's frustrating for everyone, and we all have to do our part. The most effective way to reduce crime is to prevent it in the first place, says Hallett.