**Kelowna Report Highlights Impact of Repeat Offenders on Crime Rates** A recent report from the City of Kelowna reveals that a small number of repeat offenders are significantly contributing to the city's crime rate. In 2024, 1,335 police files were linked to just 15 individuals, underscoring the challenges faced by local law enforcement and emergency services. The report describes the situation as a "staggering and relentless" pattern of criminality. It emphasizes that these offenders are straining the resources of police, fire services, paramedics, bylaw enforcement, and outreach programs. "Property crime committed by chronic offenders is the most visible and disruptive form of criminal activity in Kelowna," the report states. This 14-page document serves as an advocacy paper aimed at persuading justice authorities to reconsider the practice of releasing offenders from custody. On average, each of the 15 individuals had police called to their incidents once every four days. The report also highlights a troubling trend: the distinction between career thieves and violent criminals is blurring. It describes a "criminal ecosystem" where individuals engage in both theft and violence. Three specific offenders were profiled in the report, which asserts that they are not isolated cases. One offender, referred to as "The Frequent Flyer," had 223 police interactions over four years, including assaults, thefts, and threats. During this time, he violated bail conditions 31 times and missed 32 court hearings. Another offender, identified as Subject C, accumulated 70 police files in just the first seven months of 2025, with 13 violent offenses, averaging one every two weeks. The report notes that Subject C's behavior has become increasingly violent, involving multiple weapon-related assaults and robberies. Cities across British Columbia have raised concerns about the impact of prolific offenders on public safety. In 2022, mayors from 13 B.C. cities sent a letter to the provincial government, highlighting that just 200 "super-prolific" offenders were undermining efforts to reduce crime. One offender mentioned in the letter had amassed 346 police files over six years, resulting in 29 convictions for property crimes and assaults. The provincial government responded with a 170-page report on chronic offending, which included 28 recommendations. However, none of these recommendations called for stricter bail conditions or longer sentences for repeat offenders. Instead, one suggestion was to abandon the term "prolific offenders," arguing that it perpetuates stigma and fails to address the underlying issues these individuals face. The Kelowna report indicates that the situation has not improved in the past three years. It notes a rise in civic disorder alongside a decline in charge rates. In 2014, there were an average of 2,024 criminal charges per 100,000 people in Kelowna. By 2024, this number had dropped to 1,043. Additionally, the report points out that British Columbia has the highest rate of short criminal sentences in Canada, with 76.5% of sentences being less than 30 days, compared to a national average of 58.5%. The report concludes that it is unreasonable to expect any correctional system to effectively address the underlying conditions or behaviors of offenders under such circumstances.