Police say the initiative is designed to ensure repeat offenders face consequences
RCMP say a provincial initiative aimed at chronic offenders could help reduce shoplifting and property crime in communities.
The Chronic Property and Public Disorder Intervention Initiative is being introduced in Dawson Creek, targeting individuals police say are repeatedly linked to theft, vandalism, and ongoing public disorder affecting businesses and public spaces.
Staff Sergeant Rob Hughes presented year-to-date crime statistics to Dawson Creek city council on Monday.
The numbers show theft-related files, including shoplifting, increased from 89 cases during the first four months of 2023 to 139 over the same period this year.
Hughes said the new measures are expected to help police better identify the individuals responsible for a large portion of retail thefts and repeat property offences.
Police say the initiative is designed to ensure repeat offenders face consequences, while also helping reduce overall theft numbers in the community.
RCMP say the program could provide major benefits for downtown businesses, property owners, and the oil and gas sector, which has also dealt with theft-related issues.
“We need to stop thefts as a whole, not just the more expensive ones,” Hughes told council.
According to the province, the initiative, along with similar repeat offender programs, has already shown results in several B.C. communities.
The Chronic Property and Public Disorder Intervention Initiative is currently being piloted in Kelowna, Nanaimo and Nelson.
Provincial data showed police interactions involving repeat offenders dropped by about 50 per cent after people were placed into the related Repeat Violent Offending Intervention Initiative.
That program has operated through hubs in communities including Victoria, Vancouver, Surrey, Kamloops, Prince George and Terrace.
-Noah Abel
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