Nightly patrols may be used to combat downtown break-ins & vandalism
Fed up with the break-ins and vandalism hitting downtown stores and homes, the Osoyoos Chamber of Commerce is considering hiring South Okanagan Security to carry out regular nightly patrols of the retail area.
The idea has also been suggested by Unity store owner Jamie Elder, who paid into a similar program when he was a merchant living in Victoria.
Chamber Past President and Sears owner Randy Kassian says a survey will go out to all members asking if they are willing to chip in a monthly fee to hire the extra security.
I'm tired of worrying about people breaking into my store and I'm fed up with all the residential break-ins that are happening, says Kassian. His store, among others, was broken into twice within a 24-hour period last month.
He adds he realizes the RCMP is doing the best it can and acknowledges under-staffing is a major contributor to the problem. He also says he appreciates the work Citizens on Patrol is doing, but says the more eyes we have out there, the better.rnThe more members who agree to sign up, the more patrol cars will be out on the streets.
Just last Friday, Osoyoos Home Hardware had a front window smashed. Although no entry was gained to the store, the vandalism alone costs approximately $1,000 to replace the window.
Kassian says he hopes Chamber members will see the value of contributing to additional security to help reduce the incidents of crime and achieve some peace of mind.
