Minor crimes being ignored
After watching the news Tuesday evening, it is official.
I have lost all confidence in the RCMP, Crown counsel, and the courts. Residents and businesses are on their own when it comes to crime fighting.
A man in Kelowna had his vehicle stolen, along with his wallet and credit cards. Within a half hour, two men were using the stolen credit card to buy alcohol. A store employee said she recognized the two, because they hang out at the little park next door. When shown the evidence, RCMP said that they could make an arrest, but nothing would probably happen.
About a month ago, Mount Baldy was the target of a theft of a side-by-side ATV. There are security still photos of Penticton’s most prolific offender and his girlfriend, along with one other individual on the premises the night of the theft. I contacted the person from Mount Baldy on social media to ask what (if anything) has been done regarding the case, and he told me that RCMP said that the photos were not enough “solid evidence” to make an arrest.
So all you business owners who spent hundreds, if not thousands in security equipment, it was all for naught. Catching someone on video committing a crime apparently means diddly squat these days. Obviously the police have no desire to solve or prosecute minor crimes such as theft.
When the police, Crown counsel and the courts will no longer protect us, then it is up to us to protect ourselves by whatever means are necessary.
Enough said.
Mark Billesberger
Penticton