WATCH: Kelowna has highest crime rate in Canada: Stats Can

KELOWNA, B.C. — Kelowna’s new RCMP commander, Inspector Nick Romanchuk, met the media for the first time Thursday carrying a grim message.

A Statistics Canada crime report released this morning reveals Kelowna has the highest crime rate in Canada.

“As the incoming Officer in Charge of Kelowna Regional Detachment, it is my goal that Kelowna is never again mentioned in a Stats Canada report on crime unless it is recognized for significant reductions in crime. I am comforted that I have a very capable team who is dedicated to improving the safety of our communities through a number of means,” says Inspector Romanchuk.

According to the report, Kelowna’s overall crime rate surged six per cent in 2012.

“The crime rate increase in Kelowna, Lake Country and West Kelowna in 2012 is primarily attributable to an increase in property offences” says Kelowna RCMP Constable Kris Clark.

RCMP report:

• Property crime increased by 13.5% in 2012.

• Break and enters increased by 7.2%
  • More than half of that increase is attributed to one prolific offender who relocated from Calgary to West Kelowna
• Theft of motor vehicles increased by 2.6%
• Thefts from motor vehicles increased by 37.6%
• Frauds increased by 19%
• Theft of bicycles increased by 73%

The city also recorded a spike in severe crimes such as homicides, robberies and sexual assaults, placing third on that index behind Regina and Saskatoon, and was one of only seven Canadian cities that saw an increase in severe criminal activity.

However, Inspector Romanchuk says the situation is already looking up.

“For the first 6 months of this year, compared to the same period in 2012, crime has decreased by about 15 per cent.  That leaves me feeling comforted.”