How to break the cycle of break and enters?

Seven more break-ins were reported at Sun Peaks between Oct. 27 and Nov. 4. Thieves targeted unoccupied rental units and stole flat screen TVs. Add these events to the break-ins that occurred to private residences and the Sun Peaks Fire Hall earlier in the fall, and security is becoming a serious consideration for residents.

Mayor Al Raine would like to see the matter of security addressed seriously within the municipality. Many homes are equipped with alarms, but the proximity of Sun Peaks to security company offices and RCMP in Kamloops make emergency response time too slow to reasonably catch a culprit.

“We’ve seen a couple of times in these break-ins that when people have houses alarmed, it did deter these thieves very quickly,” said Raine. “However, it would be much better if that alarm was ringing someone who could be there within minutes.”

The RCMP, while actively investigating the wave of break-ins, is also ramping up their patrols in Sun Peaks.
“At this time of year, when the mountain is getting busy we gear up because the more people that are around, the more police presence is required, it’s as simple as that,” notes RCMP Rural Detachment Constable Bernie Ward.

To address Sun Peaks security issue Raine proposes a system whereby the municipality, condominium stratas and hotels would partner to contract a private security company to have alarms installed and security persons on site in the municipality each evening.

“I think over time it (the costs) would hopefully be close to breaking even and then the municipality would also contribute using those same security people for late night by-law enforcement,” commented Raine.

“The other option,” he states, “is we could contract RCMP policing, but that’s very expensive.”

If re-elected, Raine will make his proposal to municipal council, with intentions of initiating it in coming months.

To report suspicious activity in your neighbourhood, contact the RCMP at 250-314-1800.