Kelowna International Airport is helping raise awareness about crime prevention through a new partnership with Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers.
The “Crime Doesn’t Fly Here” campaign features signs inside and outside the airport, encouraging travellers and residents to report suspicious activity and providing information on how to submit anonymous tips.
Bruce Baron, president of Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers, said the partnership will help bring the message to thousands of people passing through the airport each day.
“Crime prevention starts with community involvement,” said Bruce Baron, president of Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers. “Through this partnership with Kelowna International Airport, we can reach thousands of residents and travellers each day with an important message about community safety. Crime Stoppers provides a safe, anonymous way for people to share information that could help prevent crime or support ongoing investigations.”
The airport, known as YLW, is B.C.’s second-busiest and welcomed more than 2.3 million passengers in 2025, making it a prominent location to promote public safety.
YLW senior manager of safety and security Neil Drachenberg said the campaign reinforces the importance of reporting potential criminal activity.
“Kelowna International Airport is proud to support initiatives that contribute to the safety and well-being of our community,” said Neil Drachenberg, YLW senior manager of safety and security. “The Crime Doesn’t Fly Here initiative helps raise awareness of Crime Stoppers. Criminal incidents should be reported to police, while suspicious activity that may affect airport safety can also be reported to airport security personnel.”
Kelowna RCMP also welcomed the initiative, highlighting the role public information plays in police investigations.
“Information from the public plays a critical role in helping police prevent and solve crime. Crime Stoppers provides an important anonymous reporting option for individuals who may not otherwise come forward. Increasing awareness at Kelowna International Airport supports our shared commitment to community safety,” said Corporal Steven Lang, Kelowna RCMP media relations officer.
Residents are reminded to call 911 for emergencies or crimes in progress. Non-emergency incidents can be reported to Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 or through its online reporting service.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at crimestoppers.net.
Tips that lead to an arrest may qualify for a reward of up to $2,000.
The campaign aims to encourage more people to come forward with information that could help police solve crimes, locate wanted individuals and recover stolen property.
