Bike patrol still in limbo
Two bicycles that were donated to the Oliver RCMP years ago are still waiting to be utilized for summer patrols.
Information supplied to the Chronicle indicated that a local organization gave the detachment two expensive bikes sometime before 2002. The RCMP subsequently requested that council fund approximately $800 for upgrades to the bikes, which was approved. However, council did not see the bikes in use and enquired about where they were. Council was told that the RCMP could not find any members to operate the bike patrol.
The question is what happened to these bikes? Some people believe the bike patrol would be a definite asset in the community to curb vandalism at night.
Sergeant Ken Harrington from the Oliver RCMP confirmed they still have the bicycles sitting in the detachment . . . finely tuned and waiting for riders.
“Problem is accessing riders. Resource issues and dollars have not allowed us to support bike patrols.”
Harrington said member interest is not and has never been the issue.
“We don’t have enough members to support on-shift bike patrols and still satisfy the requests for service generated by the community.”
The commander said extra patrols are supported by overtime dollars and because of the atmosphere of fiscal restraint at the provincial level, there is no overtime money available for bike patrols or foot patrols this summer.
Harrington said if/when Oliver exceeds 5,000 population at the next census, the Town would have the opportunity to set aside funds for seasonal policing.
Oliver Mayor Ron Hovanes said the RCMP are “maxed” daily as far as human resources go.
Although he understands that the local RCMP would like to utilize the bikes, Hovanes said he’s concerned about the spike of activity during the summer.
Home security tips
The RCMP provides the following tips to help people keep their homes secure:
– Don’t leave empty cartons in your carport, yard or driveway. You are advertising the fact you have a brand new flat screen TV, laptop, iPad or other very desirable object to steal.
– Keep your doors locked even though you may just be in your backyard.
– Close and lock all windows each time you leave.
– Do not keep ladders or tools on the outside of your home. If it can be used to gain entry into your home keep it locked up and out of sight.
– Always keep your vehicle locked even if it’s parked in your carport or driveway.
– While on vacation arrange for someone to mow the lawn and park in your driveway. It’s ideal to have someone you trust house-sit for you so your home is still lived in while you are away. If this is not possible make sure your home looks lived in.
– Use timers on indoor lights and tamper-proof, motion sensor lights around the perimeter of your home. Lighting is the most effective crime prevention tool since criminals do not want to be seen.
– Keep your vacation plans off social networks like Facebook. It is easy to gain access to personal information once it’s entered onto Facebook or other network.
