(JOHN MCDONALD / iNFOnews.ca)
March 07, 2024 - 7:30 AM
An updated report by Kelowna RCMP shows the city saw a significant increase in distribution of child pornography, fraud and sexual offences last year.
Between Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2023, Kelowna RCMP generated close to 57,000 files, the data from which has now been reported, according to a report going to a council meeting Monday, March 11.
While the data collected during this time shows a 15% reduction in property crime compared to 2022, some crime statistics rose.
In 2023, 31% more files were generated in the Rutland area, compared to 2022, while 20% fewer files were generated in the downtown area. RCMP pointed out that this data could be indicative of an increase in police presence in the Rutland area.
Overall, there was less theft reported in Kelowna.
RCMP data shows a 39% decrease in auto theft, a 29% decrease in theft from vehicle and a 40% decrease in bike theft compared to 2022.
Break and enters also decreased. There were 482 break and enters at local businesses, compared to 867 the year prior.
Reported persons offences increased by 5% compared to the year before.
Last year, there were 230 reports of sexual offences, up 27% from 2022.
Intimate partner violence (increased by 9%) and common assault (increased by 7%) were also higher, as well the creation and distribution of "child sexual abuse material," which went up by 69%.
Assaults causing bodily harm and assault with a weapon also increased by 16% with 494 cases being reported.
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