Coffee with the mayor (Ron Hovanes, right) on Monday resulted in various issues being discussed, including crime, traffic concerns, economic development and housing. From left are Joanne Bray, Yvonne Moore, Tara Hovanes and Dave Mattes.
Lyonel Doherty photo
The mayor of Oliver says a strategy is needed to enhance law enforcement and police response times in the community.
During a meeting with members of the public on Monday, Ron Hovanes agreed that something has to be done to address these concerns.
He expressed this sentiment after listening to local resident Cal Craik who raised a concern about policing in Oliver.
“Where is the response? There is no response. Two or three hours for a patrol member to show up – that’s a huge delay.”
Craik said there is no police service in Oliver between midnight and breakfast, and all of the burglars and thieves know there is no police presence during this time.
Hovanes admitted that RCMP response time in the community is “sadly lacking.” But he did acknowledge that the police are working as hard as they can with the resources they are given.
“We all have to be diligent,” he pointed out.
The mayor mentioned the recent rash of crime in Oliver that has been unsettling to residents. Even he was a victim two weeks ago; somebody rummaged through his car and left the glove box open.
Hovanes said a new RCMP commander will soon take over duties in Oliver. Until that time, Cpl. Mike Field is acting as commander.
The mayor said he has asked the RCMP for a strategy to reduce crime, noting that Cpl. Field is slated to address council on this matter.
“There needs to be a strategy rather than accepting things the way they are.”
Field could not be reached for comment.
Hovanes said most of the police officers who work at the Oliver detachment don’t live in the community, but you can’t dictate where they reside, he pointed out.
The mayor said there was a time when everyone knew who the police officers were; they lived in the neighbourhood and they coached local sports teams.
“Ninety-five per cent of the people in Oliver wouldn’t know a police officer by name; they’re all strangers in the community,” Hovanes said.
Councillor Jack Bennest said a number of people are reporting crimes to local media rather than the RCMP.
“Do we have a police force when people go to the media to report crimes?”
On Monday, Peter Chranowski from Cherry Grove mobile home park came into the Chronicle office to report the theft of his dark blue F250 diesel truck. It was stolen on March 13.
“It’s devastating . . . I feel terrible. I just don’t know what to do with myself . . . my wife just can’t get over it.”
The senior uses the truck for gardening and hopes to get it back. He noted the vehicle was locked and suspects it was towed away by the culprits.
Chranowski said he always locks his doors these days.
“At one time you didn’t have to, but nowadays you do.”
Oliver resident (and former councillor) Dave Mattes said thieves will break windows if they see spare change in plain view.
Hovanes said he would like to see people have more of a voice on community policing.
“I’m hearing from everyone. People want to see a plan of attack,” the mayor said.
Geody Amaya from South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services said she doesn’t feel safe on the hike and bike trail, referring to drug users and people lurking in the bushes.
She noted it would be nice to see police patrolling the trail on bicycles.
Hovanes said the RCMP have these bikes but there’s no manpower to use them.
The mayor said they need to “beef up” bylaw enforcement on the trail. But he noted that the more people who use the trail, the more it becomes self-policing.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
